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

About two weeks ago, the state wildlife department announced the release of an online map that shows the approximate location of GPS-collard wolves. —Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025

Age before beauty To obtain an approximate age for a young crescent moon, simply add the number of hours or days that have elapsed from the time of new moon through the date and time of sunset at your location on a particular evening. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 27 May 2025

Verb

The ratio approximates a measure of whether a patient has amyloid plaques in their brains − a disease hallmark that is now detected by images from expensive PET scans. —Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 16 May 2025

The good news is that businesses can design AI systems that approximate Rawls' fairness principles. —Nate Bennett, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for approximate

• proximate

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