rule of thumb
noun phrase
1
: a method of procedure based on experience and common sense
2
: a general principle regarded as roughly correct but not intended to be scientifically accurate
Examples of rule of thumb in a Sentence
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For a front-load washing machine, a good rule of thumb is to allow about 6 inches of clearing from the top of the drum to the load.
—
Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024
Without a talented ad agency behind you, a good rule of thumb is to go for clever humor that makes people smile or chuckle instead of trying for a side-splitting belly laugh.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
Another rule of thumb is that AI can make something seem to be absolutely correct, even though the response is flawed.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024
In a conflict zone, the legal rule of thumb is that the greater the military advantage conferred by a targeted killing, the greater the permissible civilian harm.
—Anna Mulrine Grobe, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 Oct. 2024
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Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024
Without a talented ad agency behind you, a good rule of thumb is to go for clever humor that makes people smile or chuckle instead of trying for a side-splitting belly laugh.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
Another rule of thumb is that AI can make something seem to be absolutely correct, even though the response is flawed.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024
In a conflict zone, the legal rule of thumb is that the greater the military advantage conferred by a targeted killing, the greater the permissible civilian harm.
—Anna Mulrine Grobe, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rule of thumb
Dictionary Entries Near rule of thumb
Cite this Entry
“Rule of thumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20of%20thumb. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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