Approximate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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approximate
[əˈprɑːksɪmət ]
Definitions
mathematics
Close to the actual, but not completely accurate or exact.
Synonyms
close, estimated, near, rough.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| approximate |
Use when giving a value or description that is nearly correct but not exact, often used in scientific, technical, or formal contexts.
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| rough |
Best used when giving a value or description that is not exact and often imprecise, can have a casual or informal connotation.
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| estimated |
Appropriate when providing a value that has been calculated or judged to be close to the actual value, often in financial or business contexts.
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| close |
Best used when describing something that is nearly the same as another thing, often used in everyday language.
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| near |
Commonly used for describing physical closeness or proximity, often in both formal and informal situations.
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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.
general
To come close or be similar to something, but not exactly the same.
Synonyms
approach, imitate, mirror, resemble.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| approximate |
When giving an estimate or not being exact. Often used in contexts involving calculations, measurements, or general descriptions where precision is not crucial.
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| imitate |
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.
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| resemble |
When stating that one thing looks like or is similar to another thing or person, particularly in appearance, but also in other characteristics.
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| approach |
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.
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| mirror |
When describing the act of reflecting or showing an exact replication of someone or something, especially in appearance or behavior.
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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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- In math, approximation is used to simplify complex calculations, allowing for easier problem-solving.
- The concept of rounding numbers to the nearest whole number is a common form of approximation.
- Approximate values are essential in measurements, especially in engineering, where exact precision may not be possible.
Science
- Scientists often use approximations when dealing with large datasets where exact values may be impractical to obtain.
- In physics, concepts like infinitesimals rely on approximations to explain very small quantities.
- Statistical methods frequently use approximations to predict outcomes or model scenarios.
Everyday Life
- People make approximate calculations in cooking, like estimating how long to bake a cake based on its size.
- Traveling often involves approximate distances and times, allowing better planning without needing exact figures.
- When shopping, individuals might approximate costs by rounding prices, making budgeting easier.
Technology
- Approximation algorithms are used in computer science for finding solutions to complex problems quickly.
- In graphics and design, approximating shapes helps create smoother visual representations.
- Big data analytics often relies on approximate techniques to handle vast amounts of information efficiently.
Origin of 'approximate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'approximatus,' meaning 'to come near to.'
- It was introduced to the English language in the early 17th century, reflecting the need for estimation in various fields.
- The prefix 'ap-' means 'to' and 'proximus' means 'nearest,' highlighting the concept of closeness.
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.