First Known Use: 1874
Dictionary
extrapolate
verb ex·trap·o·late \ik-ˈstra-pə-ˌlāt\
: to form an opinion or to make an estimate about something from known facts
ex·trap·o·lat·edex·trap·o·lat·ing
Full Definition of EXTRAPOLATE
transitive verb
1
: to infer (values of a variable in an unobserved interval) from values within an already observed interval
2
a : to project, extend, or expand (known data or experience) into an area not known or experienced so as to arrive at a usually conjectural knowledge of the unknown area <extrapolates present trends to construct an image of the future> b : to predict by projecting past experience or known data <extrapolate public sentiment on one issue from known public reaction on others>
intransitive verb
: to perform the act or process of extrapolating
— ex·trap·o·la·tion \-ˌstra-pə-ˈlā-shən\ noun
— ex·trap·o·la·tive \-ˈstra-pə-ˌlā-tiv\ adjective
— ex·trap·o·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun
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Origin of EXTRAPOLATE
Latin extra outside + English -polate (as in interpolate) — more at extra-
Related to EXTRAPOLATE
Rhymes with EXTRAPOLATE
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