overestimate

[oh-ver-es-tuh-meyt, oh-ver-es-tuh-mit]

verb (used with object)

overestimated, overestimating 

1. to estimate at too high a value, amount, rate, or the like.

   Don't overestimate the car's trade-in value.

2. to hold in too great esteem or to expect too much from.

   Don't overestimate him—he's no smarter than you are.

noun

1. an estimate that is too high.

overestimate

verb

1. (tr) to value or estimate too highly

noun

1. an estimate that is too high

Other Word Forms

• overestimation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overestimate¹

First recorded in 1815–25; over- + estimate

Example Sentences

In each case, when it was shown the dangers had been overestimated, he then led the effort to relax federal restrictions.

From Los Angeles Times

They pointed to several examples of errors and “cherry-picked” information in the federal report, such as a section that argues that climate models have overestimated warming because the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

"This research shows parents overestimate the protection offered by privacy settings," Ms Govender said.

From BBC

The department said in a written statement that the state’s 2024 estimate was prepared according to industry standards and that the ECOnorthwest report appears to be based on unsupported assumptions that “overestimate the cost.”

From Los Angeles Times

Yet the American public consistently overestimates the level of crime, believing it to be at historic highs that constitute an epidemic.

From Salon

Related Words

• amplify 
• distort 
• emphasize 
• fabricate 
• falsify 
• heighten 
• inflate 
• magnify 
• misrepresent 
• overdo 
• overdraw 
• overemphasize