approximate

Adjective: /əˈprɒksɪmət/, Verb: /əˈprɒksɪmeɪt/

Say it: Adjective: uh-PROK-suh-mit, Verb: uh-PROK-suh-mayt

1. adjective Close to the actual, but not completely accurate or exact.
The approximate cost of the repairs will be around five hundred dollars.
2. verb To come close or be similar to something in quality, nature, or quantity.
The film's plot approximates the events of the novel but makes a few key changes.

📖 Seen in the wild

We can only approximate the total cost until we receive all the final invoices.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ approximate in a sentence

Can you give me an approximate time you'll be home?
The model provides an approximate solution to the complex equation.
According to the report, the crowd was of an approximate size of five thousand people.
His singing style approximates that of his idol, but lacks the same power.
We are working with an approximate budget until the final figures are approved.
The map only showed the approximate location of the hidden treasure.
For this recipe, an approximate measurement of a cup of flour is fine.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

rough close estimated near ballpark general imprecise

rough · suggests a lack of detail or precision, often as a preliminary figure.

close · emphasizes nearness to the true value and is often used more informally.

estimated · implies a calculation was performed to arrive at the inexact number.

Opposites: exact, precise, accurate, correct, definite

🌱 Where it comes from

The word comes to us from the Latin verb 'approximare', meaning 'to come near to'. This verb was built from 'ad-' (to) and 'proximus' (nearest), giving it a clear and direct origin. Its meaning has remained remarkably stable, always referring to the state of being close to something without being identical.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

approximate valueapproximate costapproximate dateapproximate locationapproximate numberrough approximate

A key point of confusion is the pronunciation, which changes with the part of speech. The adjective is pronounced with a short 'i' sound at the end (uh-PROK-suh-mit), while the verb has a long 'a' sound (uh-PROK-suh-mayt). In professional settings, using 'approximate' clearly signals that a number is not final or precise, which can be important for managing expectations.

Word family: approximation, approximately

💬 Quick answers

What does 'approximate' mean?

It means something is close to the actual value or target but is not completely accurate or precise. It can be an adjective (an approximate number) or a verb (to approximate a result).

What's the difference between 'approximate' and 'estimated'?

'Approximate' describes a value that is simply close to the true one. 'Estimated' implies that the value was reached through a calculation or judgment. An estimate is a type of approximation.

How do you pronounce 'approximate'?

The pronunciation changes. The adjective ends with a '-mit' sound (uh-PROK-suh-mit), while the verb ends with a '-mayt' sound (uh-PROK-suh-mayt).

Is 'approximate' a formal word?

'Approximate' is a neutral word suitable for most contexts, from casual conversation to formal and technical writing. It is not considered slang or overly academic.

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