Approximately Meaning and Definition
Approximately
Pronunciation
/əˈproksamɪtli/
Part of Speech
Adverb
Definition
Used to indicate an approximate or estimated value or amount, rather than an exact one.
Examples
- The approximate distance to the nearest town is 20 miles.
- The company expects to earn approximately $100 million this quarter.
Synonyms
- About
- Around
- Nearly
Antonyms
- Exactly
- Precisely
Etymology
The word “approximately” has its roots in Latin, where it was introduced as “approximare,” meaning “to approach.” This Latin term was later adopted into Middle English as “approchely,” and eventually evolved into the modern English word “approximately.”
Usage Notes
Use “approximately” when referring to an estimate or an approximation, rather than an exact value. Avoid using it when the value is exact, as this can cause confusion.
Cultural References
- In music, the phrase “approximately” is often used to describe a note or a pitch that is not precisely in tune.
- In literature, the word is often used to describe a character’s approximate age or weight.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Approximately so
- About time
- Give or take
Related Words or Phrases
- Nearly
- Almost
- About
Collocations
- Approximately so
- Within approximately
- Approximately $X
Frequency of Use
The word “approximately” is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in professional and academic contexts where precision and clarity are important.
Common Misspellings
- Approximatly
- Aprixicately