This word annoys me a little. It's either "guess" or "estimate". How can it be both?
Does anyone know exactly why this word came into being, and also, if it serves a purpose, what is that purpose? Besides to annoy people like me! :)
2006-12-28 06:37:24 · 13 answers · asked by toe_jam_on_toast 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
I have no problem with blended words, it's just this one!
Portmanteau is a wonderful word as well!
Thanks for the replies by the way!
Oh, and I'm not that bored really, I just wanted a quick answer that combined various peoples opinions!
2006-12-28 06:56:32 · update #1
I'm British by the way, and have only noticed this word being used since I've been here in the USA.
2006-12-28 07:03:34 · update #2
This is a portmanteau word and it lets you know that it is not much better than a guess and an estimate (this really lets you know he is probably making something up)
2006-12-28 07:31:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 8⤊ 0⤋
Both words mean almost the same thing. An estimate is a guess as well. How educated of a guess is open to interpretation. So, an estimate can be as bad as a guess. Since they're essentially the same, people created the word "guesstimate" to kinda say they're making an educated guess, but without much facts to back it up... meaning it's leans more to the guess side of the scale than a full educated estimate that considered a lot of facts and figures.
2006-12-28 06:41:41 · answer #2 · answered by Linkin 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't be so picky! It's a blended word and I always think in the following terms of accuracy: fact>estimate>guesstimate>guess.
2006-12-28 07:11:47 · answer #3 · answered by JJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a classic portmanteau, and as I use it is often a request for the best guess or estimate when I ask, and refers to any response that contains as much subjective as objective criteria in constructing a ballpark value.
2006-12-28 06:45:17 · answer #4 · answered by novangelis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would define it as an "educated guess", a guess based upon some information, but not necessarily scientific or complete information.
It is just one of those coined words. English is a living language so from time to time new words are formed.
2006-12-28 06:43:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i be attentive to what you mean. the good old days are any time that looked greater straightforward or greater effectual. For us, that ought to intend the 50's, or early existence, or final week. yet you're actual, there replaced into no time in human background that replaced into appropriate, that we are able to look back on as something being fullyyt good. we adore areas and products of "the good old Days". human beings usually finally end up ignoring that those undesirable issues ever got here approximately. in this one occasion, i think of this is a case of collective optimism for the previous, of focusing on the good extremely than the undesirable (which i think of runs opposite to human nature in maximum different respects).
2016-10-06 03:14:31 · answer #6 · answered by wichern 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that it is a matter of degrees. A guesstimate would be less accurate than an estimate.
2006-12-28 07:56:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's an approximation. When you're estimating you're not getting the exact number or quantity.
Stupid word, I know. Just like "Smog" (smoke and fog)
2006-12-28 06:42:28 · answer #8 · answered by Kipper to the CUP! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A gesstimate is when you guess an answer and estimate the answer you guess
2006-12-28 06:49:28 · answer #9 · answered by demerria d 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
guess·ti·mate
Pronunciation: 'ges-t&-m&t
Etymology: blend of guess and estimate
: an estimate usually made without adequate information
2006-12-28 06:48:38 · answer #10 · answered by cowerding noob 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋