ballpark
Approximate or roughly estimated
Examples
In a meeting
“Can you give me a ballpark figure for the project cost?”
Over coffee
“I need a ballpark idea of how many people are coming to the party.”
Why this word
estimate
ballpark emphasizes rough approximation without precision expectations, while estimate suggests more calculated assessment
approximate
ballpark is informal business jargon for very rough range, while approximate is more formal and technical
rough
ballpark specifically means within a general range or order of magnitude, while rough is vague about what aspect lacks precision
Usage tip
Use when seeking or providing rough estimates rather than exact figures; very common in business
Etymology
American English: from baseball ballpark, suggesting general area rather than exact location
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Related words
anticipate
To expect or predict something and prepare for it accordingly.
approximate
Estimate or come close to an accurate figure or description
preempt
Take action to prevent something before it happens
proactive
Acting in advance to deal with expected situations
initiative
A new plan or action taken to achieve something
tentative
Not certain or fixed; provisional