rough estimate
Meaning
An approximate calculation or judgment that is not expected to be precise or exact.
Origin
Before the age of calculators and spreadsheets, humans relied on their wits for quick sums, and the phrase 'rough estimate' perfectly captures this ancient impulse. 'Rough' stems from Old English 'ruh,' conjuring images of something coarse, unfinished, or lacking precision—much like a quickly sketched map or an unpolished stone. When paired with 'estimate,' from the Latin 'aestimare' meaning 'to value' or 'appraise,' it conjures a hurried, yet necessary, calculation. This isn't about perfect accuracy; it's about getting a usable number fast, embracing imperfection for the sake of progress, a concept as old as human planning itself.
Examples
- I can give you a rough estimate of the cost, but I'll need to check the exact figures later this week.
- She gave him a rough estimate for how long the project would take, knowing it could easily change depending on unforeseen challenges.