Correct spelling for the English word "guesstimated" is [ɡˈɛstɪmˌe͡ɪtɪd], [ɡˈɛstɪmˌeɪtɪd], [ɡ_ˈɛ_s_t_ɪ_m_ˌeɪ_t_ɪ_d] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Guesstimated is an informal term that combines the words "guess" and "estimate," referring to the act of making an approximate calculation or estimation without possessing accurate or precise data or information. It is commonly used when a more accurate or definitive measure is unavailable, and an approximation based on intuition, experience, or limited knowledge is required.
The term "guesstimated" implies an educated or informed guess, rather than a completely random or uninformed one. It suggests that the estimate is the result of logical reasoning or a rough calculation, considering available information, historical data, trends, or personal judgment.
Guesstimates are often employed in situations where achieving an exact measurement, calculation, or prediction is difficult, time-consuming, or unnecessary. It is commonly utilized in fields such as statistics, economics, planning, forecasting, and decision-making processes, where approximations carry reasonable validity.
However, it is vital to acknowledge that "guesstimated" values are less precise and less reliable than actual measurements or well-founded estimates. They may be subject to significant errors and should be interpreted with caution. The term is used colloquially, particularly in casual or non-technical contexts, to express an estimation made with limited data, expertise, or time, providing a broad indication or rough idea of a certain value, quantity, or outcome.
The word "guesstimated" is a combination of two words: "guess" and "estimated".
The word "guess" comes from the Old English word "gessen", which means "to think, suppose, or assume". It has Germanic origins and is related to the Old Norse word "gizurr", meaning "opinion" or "decision". Over time, "gessen" evolved into "guess" in Middle English, retaining its original meaning of making an estimation or assumption.
On the other hand, the word "estimated" comes from the Latin word "aestimatus", the past participle of "aestimare", meaning "to value or appraise".