extrapolate
Americanverb (used with object)
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to infer (an unknown) from something that is known; conjecture.
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Statistics. to estimate (the value of a variable) outside the tabulated or observed range.
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Mathematics. to estimate (a function that is known over a range of values of its independent variable) to values outside the known range.
verb (used without object)
verb
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maths to estimate (a value of a function or measurement) beyond the values already known, by the extension of a curve Compare interpolate
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to infer (something not known) by using but not strictly deducing from the known facts
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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extrapolationnoun
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extrapolatornoun
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overextrapolationnoun
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extrapolativeadjective
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extrapolatoryadjective
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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extrapolatesimple
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extrapolatessimple
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have extrapolatedperfect
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has extrapolatedperfect
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am extrapolatingprogressive
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are extrapolatingprogressive
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is extrapolatingprogressive
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have been extrapolatingperfect progressive
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has been extrapolatingperfect progressive
Past
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extrapolatedsimple
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had extrapolatedperfect
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was extrapolatingprogressive
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were extrapolatingprogressive
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had been extrapolatingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of extrapolate
First recorded in 1825–35; extra- + (inter)polate
Explanation
When you extrapolate, you use specific details to make a general conclusion. For example, if you travel to Canada and encounter only friendly, kind natives, you might extrapolate that all Canadians are friendly. The verb extrapolate can mean "to predict future outcomes based on known facts." For example, looking at your current grade report for math and how you are doing in class now, you could extrapolate that you'll likely earn a solid B for the year. Another meaning of extrapolate is "estimate the value of." You could extrapolate how much your antique watch is worth by finding how much similar watches sold for at recent auctions.
Vocabulary lists containing extrapolate
100 SAT Words Beginning with "E"
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Unbroken
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Hidden Figures
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Extrapolate those numbers out, and they put the senior on pace to reach 3,301 yards, 27 scores and eight picks.
From Washington Times • Oct. 19, 2023
Extrapolate those numbers to 50 overs: on average they score 274 for 6.1 and concede 206 for 9.9, which is a comfortable 68-run margin and a high likelihood of bowling their opponents out.
From BBC • Apr. 1, 2022
Extrapolate that 4.5 percent advantage to the 2018-’19 season, when the average was roughly 293.8 yards, and a player with Nicklaus’ advantage would have averaged 307 yards.
From Golf Digest • Jan. 21, 2020
“But you can learn to talk to anyone. Gather data. Extrapolate from context. Use this.”
From Slate • Dec. 29, 2018
Extrapolate that kind of behavior to the workplace, and you get some idea of what Pryor was capable of doing on a movie or television set.
From New York Times • Dec. 4, 2014
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
