approximate

Everyday

1. (adjective) Close to the exact number or amount, but not exactly it. tree →
2. (verb) To make a close guess or estimate of an amount. tree →
3. (verb, formal) To come close to or be nearly like something. tree →

In the lessons

Very common in maths: an approximate answer is rounded or estimated (about 500, roughly 3.14). The sign ≈ means «is approximately equal to». In science, approximate measurements. In everyday life, approximate times and prices. Phrases: «approximate value», «approximate answer», «approximately equal to», «give an approximate».

Examples

• The approximate distance to the beach is 5 kilometres. tree →
• Give an approximate answer by rounding to the nearest ten. tree →
• The approximate time of arrival is noon. tree →
• Pi is approximately 3.14. tree →
• Approximate 48 + 31 by rounding first. tree →
• The crowd was approximately 2,000 people. tree →
• This drawing only approximates the real shape. tree →

Note

Pronunciation differs: adjective ends «-mut» (a-PROX-i-mut), verb ends «-mate» (a-PROX-i-mate). In maths: an approximate number is not wrong, just not exact; words like «about», «roughly», «around», «nearly» signal rounding. Symbol ≈.

In Jewish tradition

Very common in maths: an approximate answer is rounded or estimated (about 500, roughly 3.14). The sign ≈ means «is approximately equal to». In science, approximate measurements. In everyday life, approximate times and prices. Phrases: «approximate value», «approximate answer», «approximately equal to», «give an approximate».

Examples

• Midrash Tanchuma 1:5 on [Genesis 1:1], Zohar 1:3a inter alia.] [note 8: Though the phrase is usually translated the ‘Thirty-Two Paths’, I find that the alliteration of ‘Wondrous Ways of Wisdom’ neatly approximates the SY’s choice of poetic vocabulary. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →

Note

Pronunciation differs: adjective ends «-mut» (a-PROX-i-mut), verb ends «-mate» (a-PROX-i-mate). In maths: an approximate number is not wrong, just not exact; words like «about», «roughly», «around», «nearly» signal rounding. Symbol ≈.