extrapolate
to infer beyond the known data
Roots
- extra-: outside, beyond, or additional
- poli / polire: smooth, polish, or refine
Other words with the extra- root
- extra: additional or outside the usual amount
- extraneous: outside the matter or not relevant
Other words with the poli / polire root
- interpolate: to insert or estimate between known points
- polish: to make smooth or bright by rubbing
- polite: showing refined or respectful manners
Extra gives outside; interpolate works between known points. Extrapolate pushes the estimate outside what is known.
The scientist refused to extrapolate far beyond the small study.
Extrapolate is a careful word for going beyond the data. Interpolate estimates between known points; extrapolate extends outside them. That outside move can be useful, but it should keep some humility.