Estimeren

Estimeren is a Dutch verb meaning to estimate, to approximate a value, or to assess something’s worth or likelihood. It is used for quantifying quantities such as cost, time, probability, or risk, as well as for appraising value in a more formal sense.

Etymology and relation to other terms: Estimeren is borrowed from French estimer, meaning to esteem or value, which in turn comes from Latin aestimare, meaning to value or judge. In modern Dutch, estimeren is common in technical, financial, and planning contexts, while inschatten or schatten are frequently used in everyday language for rough estimates.

Usage and context: The verb appears in mathematics, statistics, finance, engineering, and project management, whenever a value is needed before precise measurement or calculation. It is often paired with nouns such as kosten, tijd, of kans (costs, time, or probability) to indicate an estimated figure. The corresponding noun forms include estimatie (the estimate) and, more generally, inschatting (the approximation). In practice, estimeren denotes a systematic or formal attempt to quantify, rather than a casual guess.

See also: Estimation, Estimatie, Inschatting, Schatting, Forecasting.