Approximate: meaning, definitions and examples

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approximate

 

[ əˈprɑːksɪmət ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

mathematics

Close to the actual, but not completely accurate or exact.

Synonyms

close, estimated, near, rough

Examples of usage

  • The approximate value of pi is 3.14.
  • Can you give me an approximate time for when the project will be finished?
  • The estimate was only approximate, so the final cost may vary.
  • Her approximate age is around 30 years old.
  • The map provides only an approximate representation of the area.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To come close or be similar to something, but not exactly the same.

Synonyms

approach, imitate, mirror, resemble

Examples of usage

  • Her painting style approximates that of Picasso.
  • The new product approximates the quality of the original.
  • They tried to approximate the taste of the famous dish.

Translations

Translations of the word "approximate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aproximado

🇮🇳 अनुमानित

🇩🇪 ungefähr

🇮🇩 perkiraan

🇺🇦 приблизний

🇵🇱 przybliżony

🇯🇵 おおよその

🇫🇷 approximatif

🇪🇸 aproximado

🇹🇷 yaklaşık

🇰🇷 근사한

🇸🇦 تقريبي

🇨🇿 přibližný

🇸🇰 približný

🇨🇳 近似的

🇸🇮 približen

🇮🇸 umtalaður

🇰🇿 жақын

🇬🇪 მხოლოდ

🇦🇿 təxminən

🇲🇽 aproximado

Etymology

The word 'approximate' originated from the Latin word 'approximatus', which means 'brought near'. It first appeared in English in the early 15th century. The concept of approximation has been fundamental in mathematics, where it is used to represent values that are close to the actual value but not exact. Over time, 'approximate' has also been used in a broader sense to indicate things that are close or similar, but not identical.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,399, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.