approximate

UK: əˈprɒksɪmət | US: əˈprɑːksɪmət

Definition

  1. adj. close to the actual, but not completely accurate or exact

  2. vt. to estimate or come close to in quality, quantity, or value

Structure
ap <toward>proxim <near>ate <verb/adjective suffix>
Etymology

approximate = ap<toward> + proxim<near> + ate<verb/adjective suffix>

  • ap (variant of "ad," meaning "toward" in Latin)
  • proxim (from Latin "proximus," meaning "nearest" or "close")
  • ate (suffix forming verbs or adjectives, indicating a state or action)

Etymology Origin:
The word "approximate" originates from Latin approximatus, the past participle of approximare ("to come near to"), combining ad- (toward) and proximus (nearest). It entered English in the 15th century, initially describing something brought near in position or quality. Over time, it evolved to emphasize closeness without exactness, reflecting its modern usage in estimations or near-accurate measurements.

Examples

  1. The approximate cost of the project is $10,000.

  2. Scientists approximate the age of the fossil to be 2 million years.

  3. Her answer was only approximate, not precise.

  4. The map shows the approximate location of the ancient city.

  5. Can you approximate how long the trip will take?