Ballpark figure
/ˈbɔːl.pɑːrk ˈfɪɡ.jɚ/
Definition
The meaning: Ballpark figure is an idiomatic expression used to refer to an approximate or rough estimate of a value, rather than an exact number.
La signification: L'expression anglaise ballpark figure, qui signifie "chiffre approximatif", peut se traduire en français par "une estimation approximative" ou "un ordre de grandeur". Elle est utilisée lorsqu'on donne un chiffre à titre indicatif, sans précision exacte.
Note: This phrase is commonly used in business, finance, and everyday conversations when discussing estimates and approximations.
Word Analysis
French synonyms
» Estimation
» Ordre de grandeur
» Approximation
» Chiffre indicatif
» Fourchette de prix
A: Peux-tu me donner un ordre de grandeur du coût de ce projet ?
B: Oui, je dirais entre 10 000 et 15 000 euros, mais ce n'est qu'une estimation.
English synonyms
» Rough estimate
» Approximate figure
» Ballpark number
» General idea
» Broad estimate
A: Can you give me a ballpark figure for how much this will cost?
B: Sure, I’d say between €10,000 and €15,000, but that’s just an estimate.
Dialogue
Amara: "Do you have an exact budget for the project?"
Johan: "Not yet, but I can give you a ballpark figure."
Amara: "That would help. What’s the rough estimate?"
Johan: "Around $50,000, but that’s just a ballpark figure, not the final cost."
Etymology
Origin: The phrase ballpark figure originates from American baseball, where a “ballpark” represents a large but defined space. By the mid-20th century, it became a metaphor for rough estimates, implying an approximate range rather than an exact number. It gained popularity in business and finance, reflecting general rather than precise calculations. In French, similar expressions include "ordre de grandeur" ("order of magnitude") or "estimation approximative."
Audience
The phrase "ballpark figure" is widely used in business, finance, and everyday conversations where precise numbers aren’t available but an approximate range is needed.
When to use: Use this phrase when discussing rough estimates, e.g., "The contractor gave us a ballpark figure of €16,000," or "I don’t need an exact number, just a ballpark figure." It is appropriate in both professional and casual settings but should be clarified when more precision is required.
Dictionary Meaning
Cambridge says that "a ballpark estimate or figure is a number that is a guess, but one that you believe is near the correct number." Here's a provided example of use: 'We'll have to go away and cost this carefully, but as a ballpark figure I'd say that it'll be about two million dollars.'
News Snippet
If you’re not comfortable sharing your own income, you could use a ballpark figure such as R20,000 as an example of a salary, and then show your child how a budget works with actual rand amounts. For example, R20,000 a month may sound like a lot of money to a 23-year old, but then break it down further."
Read the full article at The Daily Maverick
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Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "Ballpark Figure"
Rough Estimate
A general approximation rather than an exact number.
Example: "Can you give me a rough estimate of the total cost?"
Rule of Thumb
A practical and approximate way of estimating something.
Example: "As a rule of thumb, you should save at least 20% of your income."
Back-of-the-Envelope Calculation
A quick, informal, and approximate calculation.
Example: "A back-of-the-envelope calculation suggests we’ll need $50,000 for the project."
Give or Take
Used to show that a number is approximate and may vary slightly.
Example: "The trip should take about five hours, give or take a few minutes."
In the Right Ballpark
Close to the correct amount or estimate.
Example: "Your estimate is in the right ballpark, but we need more details."
Guestimate
A combination of 'guess' and 'estimate,' meaning an educated guess.
Example: "I don’t have exact numbers, but my guestimate is around $10,000."
Ballpark Range
A range of values that serves as an approximation.
Example: "We expect the costs to be in the ballpark range of $5,000 to $7,000."
More or Less
Indicates an approximate amount or degree.
Example: "It’ll cost $1,000, more or less."
Near Enough
Close enough to be considered correct or acceptable.
Example: "The measurement isn’t exact, but it’s near enough for our purposes."
Somewhere in the Region Of
Used to express an approximate amount or figure.
Example: "The house is worth somewhere in the region of $300,000."
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