approximate

1 of 2

adjective

ap·​prox·​i·​mate ə-ˈpräk-sə-mət 

1

: nearly correct or exact : close in value or amount but not precise

an approximate solution

an approximate date

2

: located close together

approximate leaves

approximate

2 of 2

verb

ap·​prox·​i·​mate ə-ˈpräk-sə-ˌmāt 

approximated; approximating

transitive verb

1

: to come near to or be close to (something)

a reproduction that approximates the original

2

a

: to bring near or close

b

: to bring (cut edges of tissue) together

intransitive verb

chiefly British : to come close

—usually used with to

… the pigments on a palette can only approximate to the limitless range of colour in nature.

—The Illustrated Dictionary of Art Terms

Synonyms

Adjective

• almost
• comparative
• near
• relative

Verb

• approach
• compare (with)
• measure up (to)
• stack up (against or with)

Examples of approximate in a Sentence

Adjective

This is the approximate location of the ancient city.

Can you give me the approximate cost of the repair?

Verb

I've finally found a vegetarian burger that approximates the taste of real beef.

The colors in the pictures can only approximate the real thing.

an Australian who can approximate a strong New York City accent

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

All but one of the bodies belonged to children, with approximate ages of 3 to 14, plus a newborn, and they were accompanied by an adult woman, researchers said. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 30 May 2024

Channel samples are considered representative of the in-situ mineralization samples and sample widths quoted approximate the true width of mineralization, while grab samples are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades on the property. —Kansas City Star, 22 May 2024

Verb

This recipe approximates the ensaladilla from Bar Ezkurra, widely considered one of the best in San Sebastián. —Marti Buckley, Saveur, 30 May 2024

While many members of pop’s middle class share Roan’s over-the-top aesthetics, few can approximate her powerful, operatic voice, which she’s trained to uncannily recall, at various turns, Lady Gaga, Patsy Cline and Kate Bush, giving her music an unsubtle edge over her compatriots. —Shaad D’souza, New York Times, 22 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Verb

Late Latin approximatus, past participle of approximare to come near, from Latin ad- + proximare to come near — more at proximate

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Kids Definition

approximate

1 of 2 adjective

ap·​prox·​i·​mate ə-ˈpräk-sə-mət 

: nearly correct or exact

the approximate cost

approximate rhyme

approximate

2 of 2 verb

ap·​prox·​i·​mate ə-ˈpräk-sə-ˌmāt 

approximated; approximating

1

: to bring near or close

2

: to come near in position, value, or characteristics : approach

tried to approximate the singer's style

Medical Definition

approximate

1 of 2 adjective

ap·​prox·​i·​mate ə-ˈpräk-sə-mət 

: located close together

approximate

2 of 2 transitive verb

ap·​prox·​i·​mate -ˌmāt 

approximated; approximating

: to bring together

approximate cut edges of tissue

approximation

ə-ˌpräk-sə-ˈmā-shən 

noun