overestimate

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over|es|ti|mate (overestimates overestimating overestimated)
The verb is pronounced /'oʊvər'estɪmeɪt/ The noun is pronounced /'oʊvər'estɪmət/
1 [VERB] V n, also V
If you say that someone overestimates something, you mean that they think it is greater in amount or importance than it really is.
With hindsight, he was overestimating their desire for peace.
≠ underestimate
[N-COUNT]
Overestimate is also a noun.
Average earnings in the South East were about £59,000, although that may be an overestimate.
● overestimation [N-SING] also no det, usu N of n
...excessive overestimation of one's own importance.
≠ underestimation
2 [VERB] with brd-neg, be V-ed, V n
If you say that something cannot be overestimated, you are emphasizing that you think it is very important.
The importance of participating in the life of the country cannot be overestimated...
It is hard to overestimate the potential gains from this process.
3 [VERB] V n
If you overestimate someone, you think that they have more of a skill or quality than they really have.
I think you overestimate me, Fred.
≠ underestimate

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