approximation

noun ap·prox·i·ma·tion \ ə-ˌpräk-sə-ˈmā-shən \

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

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

—

approximative

play \-ˈpräk-sə-ˌmā-tiv\ adjective

See approximation defined for English-language learners

See approximation defined for kids

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

In the aggregate, these make something like a composite sketch, a grotesque approximation of what’s impossible to capture in two dimensions.

— The Cut, "Do You Feel Like You Look Like Yourself?," 4 Apr. 2018
In recent months, scientists have had a better approximation of where the station may land.

— chris ciaccia, Fox News, "China's Tiangong-1 space lab set to fall to Earth: What to expect," 1 Apr. 2018
That scene has never quite named its genre; folk, bluegrass, Americana, roots music and acoustic music are all just approximations.

— jon pareles, New York Times, "In Its Own Quiet Way, I’m With Her Is a Supergroup," 13 Mar. 2018
Murray stayed, geographically speaking, in the Magnolia Suite of the Cherry Tree Inn; the room itself is even a fair approximation of the room in the movie.

— christopher borrelli, chicagotribune.com, "Woodstock celebrates 25 years of living 'Groundhog Day' over and over," 2 Feb. 2018
In recent months, scientists have had a better approximation of where the station may land.

— bradford betz, Fox News, "China's space station expected to hit Earth soon -- possibly in Europe," 25 Mar. 2018
But since his salt costs 10 to 15 times as much as other gourmet salts, per Spiliadis’s approximation, the price does add up: Greek salad, seasoned with the salt, costs $33.

— Fortune, "These Secret Ingredients May Be Fattening Your Restaurant Bill," 15 Mar. 2018
Before this, approximations such as 22/7 and 355/113 were typically used to express the ratio.

— aristos georgiou, Newsweek, "Pi Day: What Is Pi and Why Is It so Important?," 14 Mar. 2018
But, for now, around April 1 seems like a reasonable approximation.

— jason samenow, Washington Post, "Revised cherry blossom peak bloom prediction: Around April 1," 12 Mar. 2018

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

noun

Definition of approximation for English Language Learners

: an amount, figure, etc., that is almost correct and is not intended to be exact : an approximate amount, figure, etc.
: something that is similar to something else

APPROXIMATION Defined for Kids

approximation

noun ap·prox·i·ma·tion \ ə-ˌpräk-sə-ˈmā-shən \

Definition 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

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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approximation

Definition of approximation

approximative

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APPROXIMATION Defined for English Language Learners

approximation

Definition of approximation for English Language Learners

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approximation

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approximative

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