Word
approximation
Phoneticsap·prox·i·ma·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/əˌpɹɑksəˈmeɪʃən/
UK/ɐpɹˌɒksɪmˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01an estimate
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Mathematics
n. a value or amount that is nearly correct but not exact.
n. a value or quantity that is nearly but not exactly correct, often used when precise measurement is impossible or unnecessary.
“The figure of ten thousand dollars is just a rough approximation of the total cost.”
“For the purposes of the initial budget proposal, a rough approximation of the overhead costs will suffice until the audit is complete.”
Usage
Often used with the adjectives 'rough', 'close', or 'near'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02a similar version
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Academic
n. something that is similar to another thing but not exactly the same.
n. a thing that is similar to something else, typically a less perfect or less complete version.
“His latest painting is a close approximation of the style used by the old masters.”
“The simulated environment provides a functional approximation of deep-sea conditions, allowing researchers to test equipment without the risks of actual deployment.”
Usage
Frequently followed by the preposition 'of'.
Synonyms
03the process of estimating
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the act of coming close to a result or value.
n. the process of approaching a value, state, or condition through successive stages of increased accuracy.
“The scientist used a method of approximation to find the answer to the complex problem.”
“The algorithm relies on successive approximation to reach a stable solution within the specified margin of error.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“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
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.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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