Approximate: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when giving a value or description that is nearly correct but not exact, often used in scientific, technical, or formal contexts.

• The approximate time of arrival is 3 PM
• The approximate weight of the package is 5 kilograms

Best used when giving a value or description that is not exact and often imprecise, can have a casual or informal connotation.

• The rough estimate of the crowd was 500 people
• The rough draft of the report needs a lot of work

Appropriate when providing a value that has been calculated or judged to be close to the actual value, often in financial or business contexts.

• The estimated cost of the project is $10,000
• The estimated delivery time is 5 days

Best used when describing something that is nearly the same as another thing, often used in everyday language.

• The color of the wall is very close to what I imagined
• The hotel is close to the city center

Commonly used for describing physical closeness or proximity, often in both formal and informal situations.

• She sat near the window
• There is a park near my house

When giving an estimate or not being exact. Often used in contexts involving calculations, measurements, or general descriptions where precision is not crucial.

• The cost of the project will be approximately $2000.
• His age was approximated to be around 50 years old.

When describing the act of copying someone's behavior, actions, or way of speaking, often for learning, humor, or deception. Imitate can have a slightly negative connotation if it implies insincerity or lack of originality.

• The child tried to imitate his father's way of speaking.
• She imitates famous celebrities in her comedy routine.

When stating that one thing looks like or is similar to another thing or person, particularly in appearance, but also in other characteristics.

• She closely resembles her mother.
• The two buildings resemble each other in design.

When describing the act of moving closer to someone or something, or when talking about a method or way of handling a situation or problem.

• As we approached the city, the skyline came into view.
• This is the best approach to solving the problem.

When describing the act of reflecting or showing an exact replication of someone or something, especially in appearance or behavior.

• Her expression mirrored his own surprise.
• The lake mirrored the mountains perfectly.