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Estimate vs Ballpark - What's the difference?

estimate | ballpark |

As nouns the difference between estimate and ballpark

is that estimate is a rough calculation or guess while ballpark is a field, stadium or park where ball, especially baseball, is played.

As verbs the difference between estimate and ballpark

is that estimate is to calculate roughly, often from imperfect data while ballpark is to make a rough estimate.

As an adjective ballpark is

approximate; close; on the right order of magnitude.

estimate

English

Alternative forms

* (archaic)

Noun

(en noun)
  • A rough calculation or guess.
  • (construction and business) A document (or verbal notification) specifying how much a job will probably cost.
  • * {{quote-book, year=1928, author=Lawrence R. Bourne
    • , title=Well Tackled! , chapter=3 citation , passage=“They know our boats will stand up to their work,” said Willison, “and that counts for a good deal. A low estimate from us doesn't mean scamped work, but just that we want to keep the yard busy over a slack time.”}}

    Synonyms

    * estimation * appraisal

    Derived terms

    * ballpark estimate

    Verb

  • To calculate roughly, often from imperfect data.
  • * {{quote-book, year=1965, author=Ian Hacking, title=Logic of Statistical Inference, passage=I estimate that I need 400 board feet of lumber to complete a job, and then order 350 because I do not want a surplus, or perhaps order 450 because I do not want to make any subsequent orders.
    • citation
  • * '>citation
  • To judge and form an opinion of the value of, from imperfect data.
  • * John Locke
    • It is by the weight of silver, and not the name of the piece, that men estimate commodities and exchange them.
  • * J. C. Shairp
    • It is always very difficult to estimate the age in which you are living.

    Synonyms

    * appraise * guess

    Derived terms

    * estimable * underestimate * overestimate

    External links

    * * *

    Anagrams

    * English heteronyms English reporting verbs ----

    ballpark

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (US) A field, stadium or park where ball, especially baseball, is played.
  • (US, figuratively) The general vicinity; somewhere close; a broad approximation.
    • Let’s get in the ballpark , then worry about the fine details.
  • * 1990 , , Warner Bros.,
    • Some people say a lie is just a lie / But I say the cross is in the ballpark / Why deny the obvious, child?

    Derived terms

    * hit one out of the ballpark * ballpark estimate * ballpark figure

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Approximate; close; on the right order of magnitude.
  • * {{quote-book, year=1986, author=Darrell J. Steffensmeier, title=The Fence: In the Shadow of Two Worlds citation
    • , passage=These are ballpark prices: you could give or take a little either way.}}

    Derived terms

    * ballpark figure, ballpark estimate

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To make a rough estimate.
    • If you don’t have the exact expense total, just ballpark it.