Definition of approximation
1 : the act or process of drawing together
2 : the quality or state of being close or near an approximation to the truth an approximation of justice
3 : something that is approximate; especially : a mathematical quantity that is close in value to but not the same as a desired quantity
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Examples of approximation in a Sentence
This isn't an exact figure but I think it's a good approximation of what the land is worth.
The color of the paint isn't the exact same color as the vase, but it's a close approximation.
Recent Examples of approximation from the Web
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Analysts predict that the amount passengers pay per mile, a rough approximation of average fares, will rise around 3 percent over last summer.
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A real-life literary couple gets a fictional wedding, courtesy of the playwright and director Edward Einhorn, who maps Stein and Toklas’s relationship in an approximation of Stein’s swirling, repetitious prose style.
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People are also required to get a receipt from the charity, so generous approximations are no longer valid.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'approximation'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of approximation
15th century
APPROXIMATION Defined for English Language Learners
approximation
playDefinition of approximation for English Language Learners
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: an amount, figure, etc., that is almost correct and is not intended to be exact : an approximate amount, figure, etc.
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: something that is similar to something else
APPROXIMATION Defined for Kids
approximation
playDefinition of approximation for Students
1 : an estimate or figure that is not intended to be exact
2 : an act or the result of coming near or close The color isn't exactly the same, but it's a close approximation.
Learn More about approximation
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See words that rhyme with approximation Spanish Central: Translation of approximation Nglish: Translation of approximation for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about approximation
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