Extrapolate

Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Word of the Day

What is Extrapolate?

verb
To infer or estimate by extending or projecting known information.

Pronunciation

US pronunciation: /ɪkˈstræp.ə.leɪt/
UK pronunciation: /ɪkˈstræp.ə.leɪt/
Slow pronunciation: ek-STRAP-uh-layt

Meaning Explained

Extrapolate is the act of making educated guesses or predictions about the unknown, based on patterns or trends from what is already observed — common in science, data, and forecasting.

Why This Word?

Chosen to reflect how much of our thinking — in economics, weather, behavior, and even emotion — is about interpreting the future through patterns in the present.

Examples of Use

Here's how this word appears in everyday language:

  • We can extrapolate future profits based on last year’s data.
  • He extrapolated the character’s future by analyzing earlier behavior.
  • From a single paragraph, she extrapolated the author’s worldview.

Word Origins

Latin extra (outside) + polare (to polish or smooth)

Originally mathematical; broadened to logic, science, and creative thinking.

First appearance in English: Late 19th century

Word Family

Related forms of this word:

  • Noun: extrapolation

    The report included an extrapolation of traffic patterns for the next decade.

  • Verb: predict

    She predicted the outcome based on previous data.

  • Verb: project

    They projected enrollment numbers using past years as a baseline.

Around the World

How this word appears in other languages:

  • Spanish: extrapolar
  • French: extrapoler
  • German: hochrechnen
  • Italian: estrapolare
  • Portuguese: extrapolar

If you Already Know This Word

If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:

Infer

“Infer” draws conclusions from logic; “extrapolate” extends data into the future.

Forecast

“Forecast” is often used for weather or business; “extrapolate” is more scientific or mathematical.

Assume

“Assume” may be baseless; “extrapolate” is grounded in observable evidence.

Fun Facts

  • Extrapolation is used in astrophysics to estimate the behavior of galaxies millions of light years away.
  • Writers sometimes extrapolate current trends to imagine future societies — a hallmark of speculative fiction.

Cultural Usage

  • Climate models extrapolate long-term patterns from current environmental data.
  • Analysts extrapolate market trends to advise on investment strategies.

Common Mistakes

Often confused with “infer” or “assume”; “extrapolate” involves extending patterns — not guessing blindly.

Micro Story

Based on current trends, scientists extrapolate that global temperatures will continue to rise.