ikˈstrapəˌlāt, ek-, usu -ād.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin extra outside, beyond + English -polate (as in interpolate ) — more at extra-
transitive verb
1. : to infer from a trend within an already observed interval (the usually probable values of a mathematical variable in an unobserved interval) : calculate from the terms of a known series (the terms not included in the series)
2.
a.
(1) : to project, extend, or expand (known data or experience) into an area not known or experienced so as to arrive at a usually conjectural knowledge of the unknown area by inferences based on an assumed continuity, correspondence, or other parallelism between it and what is known
events … can be traced in the past and extrapolated into the future — D.J.Bogue
extrapolating the present geological state of the earth to its state billions of years ago
(2) : to extend to a greater length or into a new area
extrapolate a straight line
(3) : to cause to move further, develop, or expand on the basis of often unwarranted assumptions or speculations : draw out or amplify
extrapolating some unpleasant personal experience into a generalized slur on his hosts — L.G.Crocker
metaphysicians that extrapolate themselves to the point of absurdity
b. : to gain knowledge of (an area not known or experienced) by extrapolating : estimate or predict by or as if by extrapolating
extrapolating public opinion from the public's known reactions to other issues
intransitive verb
: to perform the act or process of extrapolating — compare interpolate