Cool MateApproximate vs Close vs Near vs Rough
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Approximate
Close
Near
Rough
| Approximate | Close | Near | Rough | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈprɒksɪmət/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈprɑːksɪmət/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/kləʊz/","/ˈkləʊzɪz/","/kləʊzd/","/ˈkləʊzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kləʊz/","/ˈkləʊzɪz/","/kləʊzd/","/ˈkləʊzɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/nɪə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/nɪr/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/rʌf/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rʌf/"]/ |
| Meaning | To guess or estimate something closely. | To shut something, like a door or a window. | close to something | Not smooth; having a lot of bumps or uneven areas. |
| Example | an **approximate number/total/cost** | Please close the door before you leave. | The school is near my house. | The surface of the table is quite rough, making it difficult to write on. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | A1 | A1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | adjective | verb | preposition | adjective |
| Collocations | approximate value, approximate number, approximate location | firmly, tightly, gently, firmly, tightly, gently, permanently, temporarily, officially, to, permanently, temporarily, officially, to | near future, nearby location, near misses | rough surface, rough estimate, rough terrain, rough times, rough texture |
| Antonyms | exact, precise | open, start | far, distant, remote | smooth, soft, gentle |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'approximation' - 'approximate' is a verb., Using it as a noun - 'approximate' should be used as a verb or adjective., Not pairing with an appropriate object - remember to specify what you are approximating. | Confusing 'close' with 'shut' – know when to use which., Using 'close' when referring to people (e.g., 'close the friend') instead of 'end' or 'finish'. | Confused with 'close' as both can mean similar things., Using 'nears' as a verb form instead of 'is near'., Omitting the object when saying 'near' without context. | Confused with 'ruff', which is a dog sound., Using 'rough' instead of 'tough' when talking about difficulty., 'Roughness' is sometimes incorrectly used for subjects, instead of describing physical texture. |
| Usage notes | Use 'approximate' when you want to suggest an estimate rather than an exact number. It's suitable for academic and everyday contexts. Avoid using it in very casual conversations. | Use 'close' when talking about shutting physical objects like doors or books. It can also mean to finish something, such as a meeting. Avoid using it with people in most contexts, except in very informal conversations. | Used when referring to physical or figurative closeness. Generally acceptable in both spoken and written contexts. Avoid using in overly formal settings. | Use 'rough' to describe surfaces, textures, or conditions that are not smooth or gentle. It can also refer to someone being harsh or unfriendly in behavior. It is generally neutral but may sound informal in some contexts. Avoid using 'rough' in very formal writing. |
Frequently asked questions: Approximate vs Close vs Near vs Rough
What's the difference between Approximate, Close, Near, and Rough?
Approximate: To guess or estimate something closely. Close: To shut something, like a door or a window. Near: close to something Rough: Not smooth; having a lot of bumps or uneven areas.
Are Approximate, Close, Near, and Rough the same CEFR level?
Approximate: B1, Close: A1, Near: A1, Rough: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Approximate, Close, Near, and Rough?
Approximate: adjective, Close: verb, Near: preposition, Rough: adjective.
Can you show an example of each?
Approximate: an **approximate number/total/cost** Close: Please close the door before you leave. Near: The school is near my house. Rough: The surface of the table is quite rough, making it difficult to write on.
Can I use Approximate, Close, Near, and Rough interchangeably?
Not always. Approximate, Close, Near, and Rough are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.