overestimate
oh-ver-ES-tih-mayt
/ˌəʊvərˈestɪmeɪt/
To estimate or value something too highly.
Implies an error in judgment where numerical magnitude, capability, or likelihood is calculated above true levels.
The story behind the word. Combines Old English 'over-' with Latin 'aestimare' (to value or appraise). It emerged in early modern English accounting to describe setting monetary values higher than market reality.
Word relationships
- overrate: Overrate refers to subjective quality, whereas overestimate often refers to measurable metrics or probabilities.
- underestimate: Underestimate means placing too low a value or calculation on something.
Commonly confused with
- overrate: Overrate is about qualitative rating; overestimate is about quantitative evaluation.
Word family
- overestimation (noun): The act of placing too high an estimate on something.
Collocations
- grossly overestimate
- tendency to overestimate
- overestimate capacity
- overestimate risk
Idioms & expressions
- bite off more than you can chew
Example sentences
- "Inexperienced managers often overestimate team capacity and set unrealistic deadlines." Project management
Memory hook
Over + Estimate = Aiming higher than the true scale. Overestimate = calculating too high.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'exaggerate' (which involves deliberate verbal hyperbole rather than miscalculation).
Fun facts
- The 'planning fallacy' causes people to consistently overestimate how quickly they can complete complex projects.
Related words
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