overestimate

CEFR: B1-B2 /over-es-ti-mate/ [ow2.v.er0.eh1.s.t.ah0.m.ey2.t]

When you estimate something, you make a calculation or a judgment of its value. So, when you overestimate, you assign too much value to the thing you are judging. If you overestimate how much time you have left to get to school, you could be late. Likewise, if you overestimate how prepared you are for a test; you might end up with a poor grade. This verb is the opposite of underestimate, or “to assign too little value.”

Here are some example sentences using the word “overestimate”:

Example Sentences:

I overestimated the number of chairs we would need for the party. (This means I thought we would need more chairs than we actually did)

We overestimated the value of the coins.

Please be aware that in the above examples the word “overestimate” is followed by an object.

The word overestimate can also mean to think of (someone or something) as being greater in ability, influence, or value than that person or thing actually is. Example sentences are as follows:

Example Sentences:

She overestimated his ability to do the job.

The importance of a good education cannot be overestimated. (This means a good education is very important)

Overestimate can also be used in the plural form: overestimates which is a countable noun.

Example sentence:

Example Sentences:

Cost overestimates in the budget left us with extra money in the end.