What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
interpolating
Example
The software interpolates the missing values based on the surrounding data points. [interpolates: verb]
Example
The graph shows the interpolated values for the missing data points. [interpolated: adjective]
extrapolate
Example
Based on the current sales data, we can extrapolate that our revenue will increase by 10% next quarter. [extrapolate: verb]
Example
The study extrapolated the results to the entire population. [extrapolated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Extrapolate is more commonly used than interpolate in everyday language. Extrapolate is often used in discussions of trends, predictions, and forecasting, while interpolate is more commonly used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between interpolating and extrapolate?
Interpolate is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, while extrapolate can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
