WordValeextrapolate
to extend a conclusion to an unknown situation
In more detail
1. (verb) to estimate or conclude something by assuming that a pattern or trend will continue in the same way
2. (verb) to use known facts or information to infer something unknown or future
Examples
- 1. From the current sales data, we can extrapolate that revenue will increase by 20% next quarter.
- 2. The scientist extrapolated the results of the small study to predict outcomes for the entire population.
How to use extrapolate
Extrapolate is used in scientific, statistical, and analytical contexts to describe reasoning from known data to make predictions or inferences about unknown situations. It carries an implication that the extension may involve risk or uncertainty, unlike more certain deduction. The word assumes continuity of patterns and is often qualified with warnings about reliability.
Common phrases
- extrapolate from data
- extrapolate into the future
- extrapolate trends
- extrapolate results
- extrapolate backwards
Synonyms
infer · project · extend · estimate · conjecture
Word family
extrapolation (noun) · extrapolated (adjective) · extrapolative (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse extrapolate with interpolate, which means to estimate a value within a known range of data rather than beyond it.
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