extrapolate

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/ɪkˈstræpəˌleɪt/
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To extend what is known into what is not yet known.
Practice using extrapolate in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The model extrapolates beyond the observed data.
  • She extrapolated the trend to the end of the decade.
  • Analysts extrapolated next year's sales from this quarter.
  • Can the findings be extrapolated to other cities?
  • We cannot safely extrapolate from one small survey.

Similar words

infer
project
estimate
predict

Meanings

Estimate beyond available evidence

verb
reasoning
formal
To use known facts or a pattern to estimate what may be true outside the range already observed.

Examples

  • Analysts extrapolated next year's sales from this quarter.
  • We cannot safely extrapolate from one small survey.
  • She extrapolated the trend to the end of the decade.
  • Can the findings be extrapolated to other cities?
  • The model extrapolates beyond the observed data.

Similar words

project
infer
estimate
predict

Etymology

Formed in the nineteenth century from extra-, meaning outside, and a shortened form of interpolate.

FAQ

What does extrapolate mean?

To extrapolate is to estimate beyond the facts already measured.

When is extrapolate used?

It is common in research, statistics, forecasts, and planning.

How does extrapolate differ from interpolate?

Interpolate estimates within known points, while extrapolate goes beyond them.

How is extrapolate used in a sentence?

Analysts extrapolated next year's sales from this quarter.

Is extrapolate formal?

Yes. Extrapolate is formal and often technical.

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