extrapolate
verb
Pronunciation: ɪkˈstræpəleɪt
Definition
Extend the application of a method or conclusion to an unknown situation by assuming that existing trends will continue.
Examples
It is dangerous to extrapolate future success based on a single quarter of high sales.
Scientists often extrapolate data from small laboratory samples to predict how a virus might behave in the general population.
You cannot simply extrapolate his past behavior to guess how he will react to this specific crisis.
How to Use extrapolate
- extrapolate from (prepositional phrase)
- to use specific data to reach a broader conclusion — "Researchers extrapolated from the animal study that the drug might be effective in humans."
- extrapolate to (prepositional phrase)
- to apply findings to a new, wider context — "It is difficult to extrapolate these local results to the entire national population."
Synonyms of extrapolate
Words with a similar meaning to extrapolate:
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