How Do You Spell BALLPARK FIGURE?

Pronunciation: [bˈɔːlpɑːk fˈɪɡə] (IPA)

The spelling of the phrase "ballpark figure" is based on American English pronunciation. Here's how it might be transcribed in IPA: [ˈbɔl.pɑrk ˈfɪɡjər]. The first part of the word, "ballpark," is pronounced with stress on the first syllable and features a short "a" sound in the first syllable and an "o" sound in the second. The second part, "figure," is pronounced with stress on the second syllable and with a "u" sound in the second syllable. Together, the phrase refers to an approximation or rough estimate.

BALLPARK FIGURE Meaning and Definition

1. A "ballpark figure" is an idiomatic expression used to describe an approximate or rough estimate of a quantity or value. The term is derived from the sport of baseball, where a ballpark refers to the baseball field itself. In baseball, players and spectators often try to estimate the distance a home run ball will travel based on its trajectory and initial velocity. This estimation is typically not precise but rather a rough estimate, often referred to as a "ballpark figure."

   In a broader sense, the phrase "ballpark figure" is used to describe a rough numerical approximation or an educated guess about a particular value. It suggests that the estimated value is within a reasonable range, but is not intended to be an exact or precise calculation. Rather than relying on accurate or meticulous calculations, a ballpark figure relies on general knowledge, intuition, and a rough projection of the relevant factors involved.

   The expression is commonly used in various contexts, such as financial planning, budgeting, negotiations, and forecasting. For instance, when discussing project costs, a project manager might provide a ballpark figure to give stakeholders a sense of the potential expenses involved. Similarly, when negotiating a salary, an employer or employee might refer to a ballpark figure to establish a starting point for further discussions, knowing that the actual figure would be determined later based on specific factors.

   Overall, a ballpark figure allows for a general understanding or estimation of a value without the need for precise calculations or exact measurements.

Common Misspellings for BALLPARK FIGURE

• vallpark figure
• nallpark figure
• hallpark figure
• gallpark figure
• bzllpark figure
• bsllpark figure
• bwllpark figure
• bqllpark figure
• baklpark figure
• baplpark figure
• baolpark figure
• balkpark figure
• balppark figure
• balopark figure
• balloark figure
• balllark figure
• ball-ark figure
• ball0ark figure
• ballpzrk figure
• ballpsrk figure

Etymology of BALLPARK FIGURE

The etymology of the phrase "ballpark figure" can be traced to baseball. The word "ballpark" refers to a baseball field or stadium, where the sport is played. The phrase "ballpark figure" originates from the practice in baseball of estimating the number of spectators in attendance at a game by making a rough calculation or guess. Similarly, when someone provides a "ballpark figure", it means they are giving an approximate or rough estimate rather than an exact number. Over time, the term has been adopted in a more general sense, outside of the context of baseball, to refer to any rough estimate.

Idioms with the word BALLPARK FIGURE

• a ballpark figure The idiom "a ballpark figure" refers to an approximate or rough estimate of a number or amount, rather than an exact or precise figure. It implies that the given estimate is within a reasonable range or proximity of the actual value, much like the estimation of the number of spectators in a baseball stadium by visual observation rather than an accurate count.
• ballpark figure A rough estimate or approximation of a number, usually used when discussing costs, prices, or quantities.

Plural form of BALLPARK FIGURE is BALLPARK FIGURES