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Approximately: meaning, definitions and examples

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approximately

 

[ əˈprɒksɪmətli ]

Adverb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

in estimation

Used to show that a number, amount, time, etc., is not exact but is fairly close.

Synonyms

about, almost, around, roughly

Examples of usage

  • He arrived at approximately 8 o'clock.
  • The project will take approximately two weeks to complete.
Context #2 | Adverb

in approximation

Used to indicate an estimated figure or value that is close to the actual one.

Synonyms

close to, near, nearly, roughly

Examples of usage

  • The population of the city is approximately 1 million.
  • The cost is approximately $50.

Translations

Translations of the word "approximately" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aproximadamente

🇮🇳 लगभग

🇩🇪 ungefähr

🇮🇩 kira-kira

🇺🇦 приблизно

🇵🇱 około

🇯🇵 約

🇫🇷 environ

🇪🇸 aproximadamente

🇹🇷 yaklaşık

🇰🇷 대략

🇸🇦 تقريباً

🇨🇿 přibližně

🇸🇰 približne

🇨🇳 大约

🇸🇮 približno

🇮🇸 um það bil

🇰🇿 шамамен

🇬🇪 დაახლოებით

🇦🇿 təxminən

🇲🇽 aproximadamente

Etymology

The word 'approximately' originated from the combination of the prefix 'approxim-' meaning near or close to, and the suffix '-ly' to form an adverb. It has been in use since the mid-17th century to express the idea of being close in quantity, degree, value, etc., without being exact. Over time, 'approximately' has become a commonly used adverb in English language to convey rough estimations or close proximity to a particular value or time.

See also: approximating, approximation.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,058, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.