Cool MateApproximately vs Roughly
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Approximately | Roughly | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | About or close to a certain amount. | Approximately, not exactly |
| CEFR level | B1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb |
| Usage notes | Use 'approximately' when giving an estimate. It's appropriate in academic and professional contexts, but may sound overly formal in casual conversations. | Use 'roughly' when you want to give an estimate or approximation. It’s neutral and suitable for most contexts, but avoid in very formal writing. |
Frequently asked questions: Approximately vs Roughly
What's the difference between "Approximately" and "Roughly"?
"Approximately" means: About or close to a certain amount. "Roughly" means: Approximately, not exactly
When should I use "Approximately" and "Roughly"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Approximately" and "Roughly" the same CEFR level?
"Approximately" is at B1, "Roughly" is at B2 on the CEFR scale.