approximation
A value, representation, or result that is very close to the truth but not completely accurate or exact. It is frequently used in mathematics, science, and everyday life when precise figures are unknown or unnecessary.
Examples
3 of 5The recipe's measurements are just an approximation, so you should adjust them based on your personal taste.
The quantities in the cooking instructions are estimates rather than exact weights, allowing for personal adjustments.
The committee requested a close approximation of the total costs involved in the urban redevelopment project.
The board asked for a nearly accurate calculation of the expenses for the city construction plan.
I'm not exactly sure how long the drive will take, but an hour is a good approximation.
I don't know the precise travel time, but one hour is a reasonable guess.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Look at the core of the word: 'proxi' as in 'proximity.' An approximation is a value in close proximity to the actual answer.
Quick Quiz
The engineer provided a rough _______ of the project's timeline, noting that it could change depending on the weather.
Correct!
The correct answer is: approximation
Examples
The recipe's measurements are just an approximation, so you should adjust them based on your personal taste.
everydayThe quantities in the cooking instructions are estimates rather than exact weights, allowing for personal adjustments.
The committee requested a close approximation of the total costs involved in the urban redevelopment project.
formalThe board asked for a nearly accurate calculation of the expenses for the city construction plan.
I'm not exactly sure how long the drive will take, but an hour is a good approximation.
informalI don't know the precise travel time, but one hour is a reasonable guess.
In many statistical models, a linear approximation is used to simplify the relationship between complex variables.
academicIn data science, researchers use a simplified straight-line model to represent complex data interactions.
We need a rough approximation of the quarterly sales to finalize our preliminary budget for next year.
businessWe require a basic estimate of our three-month sales to finish the initial financial planning.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
A rough approximation
A non-precise, general guess used as a starting point.
To the first approximation
Considering only the most important factors and ignoring smaller details.
Close approximation of
Something that is very similar to or resembles something else almost perfectly.
Often Confused With
An 'estimate' is often the act or result of judging a value, while 'approximation' specifically highlights the closeness to a target value.
Approximation is the noun form (the estimate itself), whereas approximately is the adverb used to modify numbers or verbs.
Usage Notes
Use 'approximation' when you want to emphasize that a value is not final or exact, particularly in technical, scientific, or financial contexts. It often takes the preposition 'of' when followed by the object being estimated.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the noun 'approximation' when they should use the verb 'approximate' or the adverb 'approximately.' For example, saying 'I will approximation the cost' is incorrect; it should be 'I will approximate the cost.'
Memory Tip
Look at the core of the word: 'proxi' as in 'proximity.' An approximation is a value in close proximity to the actual answer.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'approximatus,' which is the past participle of 'approximare,' meaning 'to draw near to.'
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The engineer provided a rough _______ of the project's timeline, noting that it could change depending on the weather.
Correct!
The correct answer is: approximation
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
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