What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
budget
Example
We need to create a budget for our monthly expenses. [budget: noun]
Example
She budgeted her income carefully to save for a vacation. [budgeted: past tense]
estimate
Example
The contractor provided an estimate for the cost of renovating the kitchen. [estimate: noun]
Example
He estimated that it would take about two hours to complete the task. [estimated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Budget is more commonly used than estimate in everyday language, especially in financial and business contexts. Budget is a widely recognized term that is essential for managing expenses and planning finances. Estimate, although less common, is still used in various fields, such as construction, projects, and predictions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between budget and estimate?
Both budget and estimate can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, budget is more commonly associated with formal settings, such as financial reports or business meetings, while estimate can be used in both formal and informal situations, depending on the context.
