Extrapolate-Interpolate | Commonly Confused Words
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Extrapolate vs. Interpolate

Extrapolate

/ɪkˈstræpəleɪt/
To use known information to estimate or predict something not yet known

Examples:

Economists often extrapolate future trends from past data.She can extrapolate the outcome based on her vast experience.Scientists extrapolate climate changes using computer models.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Interpolate

To estimate or calculate a value within two known values in a sequence of values.

Examples:

The artist often interpolated modern themes into classic works.The mathematician interpolated values to complete the missing data.The historian interpolates disputed events to offer a fresh perspective.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Interpolate involves estimating between two known points, while extrapolate involves estimating beyond the known points.
  • Think of inter in interpolate as inside or between, since you're dealing with values within the data range.
  • Extrapolate has an extra sense, like going beyond what's already there, into the unknown future or past.
  • Visualize interpolate as filling in gaps within a sequence, whereas extrapolate predicts beyond the sequence's end.
  • Interpolate fills the inside gaps; extrapolate stretches the line out beyond what's visible.
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