Words / B1

uh-PROKS-im-uh-tlee/əˈprɒksɪmətli/

Approximately means close to a number but not exact: approximately 200 people. About and around are the informal pair; roughly is similar; exactly / precisely are the opposites. In reports and science, approximately looks more careful than about. The short form is approx.; approximate is the adjective: an approximate figure.

Meaning

Close to a number or amount, but not exact.

Examples

• “The journey takes approximately two hours.”
• “The repair will cost approximately eighty pounds.”
• “Arrival is at approximately midday.”

Good to know

approximately + number. Informal: about / around. Opposite: exactly. Adjective: approximate.

Near in meaning

about, roughly

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