How to pronounce estimate
Say it like ES-tuh-mut. Estimate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce estimate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ES
- tuh
- mut
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: Noun: 'ES-tuh-mit'. Verb: 'ES-tuh-mayt'.
Estimate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- mutKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of estimate
American and British speakers say estimate in essentially the same way: /ˈɛstəmət/ in the US and /ˈɛstɪmɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: ES-tih-mit.
What does estimate mean?
- an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth“an estimate of what it would cost”“a rough idea how long it would take”
- a judgment of the qualities of something or somebody“many factors are involved in any estimate of human life”“in my estimation the boy is innocent”
- a document appraising the value of something (as for insurance or taxation)
- judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time)“I estimate this chicken to weigh three pounds”
- judge to be probable
Where does estimate come from?
From Middle English estimat, borrowed from Latin aestimātus (“valuing, estimate”, only used in the ablative singular: "aestimātū..." (in valuing...)), from aestimō + -tus (“action noun-forming suffix”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with estimate
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of estimate.
Questions about saying estimate
How do you pronounce estimate?
Say ES-tuh-mut. The American pronunciation is /ˈɛstəmət/. In British English it is /ˈɛstɪmɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in estimate?
Estimate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ES). Broken into parts: ES · tuh · mut.
Do Americans and Brits say estimate the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɛstəmət/ and the British form is /ˈɛstɪmɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.