approximation

noun

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

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

ə-ˈpräk-sə-ˌmā-tiv 

adjective

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 on the Web

An artificially intelligent approximation of his voice will give you daily recaps of the prior day’s highlights, all generated based on your own customizations, and done with his consent, of course. —Brian Welk, IndieWire, 22 July 2024

That’s a very polite way to describe Chief Justice John Roberts’ all-too-evident struggle to dress the court’s naked political machinations in some approximation of American constitutional law, politics, tradition, history, culture, something. —Francis Wilkinson, The Mercury News, 16 July 2024

For those who came of age after the Brat Pack reign, there’s no close approximation. —Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 13 June 2024

The difference here is that, instead of only a text answer, the words get a Hoffman vocal approximation layered atop of a (still clearly artificial) video rendering of the man. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

approximation

noun

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

1

: a coming near or close (as in value)

2

: something approximate

especially : an estimate or figure that is almost exact