approximation
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a value or amount that is nearly correct but not exact.
a value or quantity that is nearly but not exactly correct, often used when precise measurement is impossible or unnecessary.
Simple“The figure of ten thousand dollars is just a rough approximation of the total cost.”
In context“For the purposes of the initial budget proposal, a rough approximation of the overhead costs will suffice until the audit is complete.”
UsageOften used with the adjectives 'rough', 'close', or 'near'.
SynonymsAntonymsexactnessprecision - 02 C1 Advanced
something that is similar to another thing but not exactly the same.
a thing that is similar to something else, typically a less perfect or less complete version.
Simple“His latest painting is a close approximation of the style used by the old masters.”
In context“The simulated environment provides a functional approximation of deep-sea conditions, allowing researchers to test equipment without the risks of actual deployment.”
UsageFrequently followed by the preposition 'of'.
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
the act of coming close to a result or value.
the process of approaching a value, state, or condition through successive stages of increased accuracy.
Simple“The scientist used a method of approximation to find the answer to the complex problem.”
In context“The algorithm relies on successive approximation to reach a stable solution within the specified margin of error.”
Synonyms
“Since each thunderquake is going to be unique due to the different locations and conditions, this model is going to be, at best, an approximation.”
“Depending on the desired precision, we can systematically improve our formulas using additional approximation methods," says Florian Ecker from TU Wien.”
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂éd Proto-Italic *ad Proto-Italic *ad- Latin ad- Latin proximō Latin approximō Latin approximātusder. Middle English approximat English approximate Proto-Indo-European *-tisder. Proto-Italic *-tjō Latin -tiō Latin -ātiōlbor. Old French -ationbor. Middle English -acioun English -ation English -ion English approximation From approximate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.