approximately

/əˈprɒksɪmətli/

close to a specific value or amount

The project will cost approximately $10,000.

The cost is estimated to be near $10,000, not exact.

formal

Close to a specific value or amount, but not exact.

The meeting will last approximately two hours.

The meeting duration is estimated to be around two hours.

Approximately 200 people attended the event.

Around 200 people were present at the event.

Used to indicate an estimate or rough calculation, often in formal or technical contexts.

Collocations

approximately equalalmost the same in value or amountapproximately correctclose to being accurate

Use 'approximately' when an exact value is unnecessary or unknown. For precise measurements, use 'exactly' or 'precisely'.

In formal writing or technical fields, 'approximately' is preferred over informal terms like 'around' or 'about'.

From the Latin 'approximare' (to come near), via Old French 'approchier'.

Often used in scientific, mathematical, or financial contexts to convey estimates. Avoid overusing in contexts where precision is critical.

approximate

close in value or amount

root

-ly

adverb suffix

suffix

English Dictionary