How to Use 'Approximately' Correctly

Meaning 1：around (approximately)

approximately 🔊

/əˈprɒksɪmətli/

adv.

Used to show that a number, amount, or time is close to, but not exactly, the right one.

Illustration of the word approximately: a hand pointing to a clock showing an estimated time of 3 o'clock.

around 🔊

➕

/əˈraʊnd/

adv.

Indicates a quantity, number, or time that is close to the stated value but not exact or precise.

📁 Category：Time & Dates 🔖 Level：中级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin ‘approximatus’ (drawn near). Root: ‘ap-’ (to) + ‘proximus’ (nearest).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: ‘Approx.’ is the ‘APPROach’ to an ‘EXact’ number. You're getting close (prox-) but not exactly there.

📖 Example

I'll meet you at the café approximately at 3 PM. 🔊 The meeting time is estimated to be near 3 o'clock, not precisely on the hour.

🔗 Collocations

approximately equal to – nearly the same as in amount, number, or value

cost approximately – to have an estimated price of around a certain figure

weigh approximately – to have a weight that is roughly a certain amount

🔄 Synonyms

about (adv./prep.) – Used before a number or time to mean 'close to'.

roughly (adv.) – Used to indicate an approximation without great precision.

around (adv.) – Approximately; used to indicate a number that is not exact.

🚫 Antonyms

exactly (adv.) – Used to emphasize accuracy and no deviation from the stated value.

precisely (adv.) – In exact terms; without any vagueness or approximation.

🌱 Derivatives

approximate (adj./v.) – (Adj.) Close to the actual, but not completely accurate. (V.) To come close to in quality, nature, or quantity.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin ‘approximare’ meaning ‘to come near to’. It entered English via French. Widely used in science, engineering, and everyday estimates to indicate imprecise but close figures, embodying a pragmatic approach to measurement.