B1 adverb Neutral

environ

/ɑ̃.vi.ʁɔ̃/

Used to indicate that a number or amount is approximate. Crucial for describing data in IELTS Task 1 when exact figures aren't necessary.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Ça coûte environ dix euros.

It costs about ten euros.

2

Le projet durera environ trois mois.

The project will last approximately three months.

3

Je serai là dans dix minutes environ.

I'll be there in about ten minutes.

Word Family

Noun
environs
Verb
environner
Adverb
environ
Adjective
environnant
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'environment' — things that are 'around' or 'approximate' to you.

Quick Quiz

Le voyage a duré ___ six heures.

Correct!

The correct answer is: environ

Examples

1

Ça coûte environ dix euros.

everyday

It costs about ten euros.

2

Le projet durera environ trois mois.

formal

The project will last approximately three months.

3

Je serai là dans dix minutes environ.

informal

I'll be there in about ten minutes.

4

Environ 30% des sujets ont répondu au sondage.

academic

Approximately 30% of subjects responded to the survey.

5

Nous avons environ 200 employés.

business

We have approximately 200 employees.

Word Family

Noun
environs
Verb
environner
Adverb
environ
Adjective
environnant

Common Collocations

environ la moitié about half
d'environ of about
environ une heure about an hour
environ dix pour cent about ten percent
environ le même about the same

Common Phrases

et environ

and about

les environs

the surrounding area

ou environ

or so

Often Confused With

environ vs environs

Environ (adverb) means 'about'; environs (plural noun) means 'surroundings'.

📝

Usage Notes

Unlike 'à peu près', 'environ' is usually placed after the number or before the whole phrase.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Putting an 's' at the end when used as an adverb (it is invariable).

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'environment' — things that are 'around' or 'approximate' to you.

📖

Word Origin

From 'en' and 'viron' (circle/circuit).

Grammar Patterns

Environ + [number] [number] + environ

Quick Quiz

Le voyage a duré ___ six heures.

Correct!

The correct answer is: environ

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