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
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, as NBC did last September, and Piker is estimated to be raking in more than $2 million annually—a significant upgrade from the $65,000 a year he was making at his uncle’s company.
From Slate • Feb. 18, 2025
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 across other Canadian and U.S. pro sports cities, and those teams could be looking at 100,000 workers feeling some sort of pinch - not counting the impact at college and other levels.
From Washington Times • Mar. 13, 2020
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
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.
