Approximation
/əˌprɒksɪˈmeɪʃən/
nounIntermediateCommonGeneral
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
A value or quantity that is close to but not exactly equal to another value.
/əˌprɒksɪˈmeɪʃən/
nounneutralIntermediate
General
An estimate or calculation that is not exact but close enough to be useful.
The approximation of the building's height was within a few feet.
💡 Simply: A close guess.
More Examples
2
A rough approximation of the cost is sufficient for this stage.
How It's Used
Mathematics
"The approximation of pi to 3.14159 is often sufficient for many calculations."
Engineering
"Due to material limitations, the design is only an approximation of the ideal."
From Middle French *approximation*, from Latin *approximatio*, from *approximare* "to come near," from *ad* "to" + *proximus* "nearest."
The term has been used in mathematical contexts since at least the 17th century.
Memory tip
Think of 'approaching' a number; it's getting near.
Practice
Base: approximate
aproximationaprocimationapproximattion
Usage
30%Spoken
70%Written