back-of-the-envelope
Quick and approximate
Back-of-the-envelope describes rough, informal calculations or estimates—the kind you might scribble on any available scrap of paper.
A back-of-the-envelope calculation isn't meant to be precise; it's a quick approximation to test whether an idea is plausible: Some back-of-the-envelope math suggests we'd need to sell ten thousand units just to break even.
Sports venue or estimate
- guesstimateRough, intuitive calculation
- approximationNear but inexact value
- rough-cutPreliminary edited version
- thumbnailReduced preview image
quick-and-dirty · roundabout · inexact · imprecise · broad-brush · swag
Practical solving shortcut
- rule-of-thumbPractical approximate principle
- assumptionUnverified belief accepted as true
- approximationNear but inexact value
- shortcutQuicker alternative path
rounding · simplistic · elementary · basic · stripped-down · bare-bones · simplified · estimate
Mealtime wiping cloth
- jottingWriting briefly
- scribbleWrite without care
- doodleMindless rough sketch
- shorthandAbbreviated writing system
hasty · casual · offhand · unofficial · penciled · handwritten · improvised · makeshift
Name's opening letter
- prototypeFirst functional specimen
- conceptualOf or relating to ideas
- exploratorySeeking to discover
- tentativeUncertain and provisional
provisional · draft · outline · feasibility · proof-of-concept · early-stage · foundational · directional
ballpark
Sports venue or estimate
- guesstimateRough, intuitive calculation
- approximationNear but inexact value
- rough-cutPreliminary edited version
thumbnail · quick-and-dirty · roundabout · inexact · imprecise · broad-brush · swag
heuristic
Practical solving shortcut
- rule-of-thumbPractical approximate principle
- assumptionUnverified belief accepted as true
- approximationNear but inexact value
shortcut · rounding · simplistic · elementary · basic · stripped-down · bare-bones · simplified · estimate · practical
napkin
Mealtime wiping cloth
shorthand · hasty · casual · offhand · unofficial · penciled · handwritten · improvised · makeshift · ad-hoc
initial
Name's opening letter
- prototypeFirst functional specimen
- conceptualOf or relating to ideas
- exploratorySeeking to discover
tentative · provisional · draft · outline · feasibility · proof-of-concept · early-stage · foundational · directional · baseline
back-of-the-enveloperigorous
Extremely thorough and careful
precise · exact · meticulous · scientific · thorough
back-of-the-envelopeformal
Following strict protocol
official · documented · peer-reviewed · vetted · definitive
envelope, backing, backed, backer, envelopes, enveloping, envelopment