interpolate
/ɪnˈtɜː.pə.leɪt/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To insert or add something in the middle of a text, speech, list, or sequence. In academic and technical writing, it can also mean to estimate a missing value from nearby data points.
- Please interpolate a few examples in the essay.
- The software interpolates missing data points automatically.
Adinary Nuance
Interpolate is more specific than add or insert. Use it when something is put into the middle of a series, text, or data set. In maths and science, it often means estimating a missing number from nearby known values. It is more formal than everyday words like fill in.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- nội suy
- Spanish
- interpolar
- Chinese
- 插值
- Japanese
- 補間する
- Korean
- 보간하다
Etymology
Interpolate comes from Latin interpolare, meaning 'to alter' or 'to renew'. English started using it in the 15th century, first for adding words or changes into a text.
Common phrases
interpolate between two pointsinterpolate missing datainterpolate a quotationinterpolate values
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is interpolate used in everyday English?
- Not often. It is more common in academic, technical, and formal writing.
- What is the difference between interpolate and extrapolate?
- Interpolate finds a value between known points. Extrapolate estimates beyond them.
- Can interpolate mean 'to add words in a text'?
- Yes. It can mean putting extra words or lines into something written.
- Is interpolate common in IELTS writing?
- Yes, especially in science, maths, and data-related topics.