B1adverb2K

Approximately

UK /["/əˈprɒksɪmətli/"]/US /["/əˈprɑːksɪmətli/"]/

Definition

used to show that something is almost, but not completely, accurate or correct

In simple words: About or close to a certain amount.

Examples

  • The journey took approximately seven hours.
  • The two buildings were approximately equal in size.
  • Approximately £4  000 worth of product was stolen in the raid.

Usage notes

Use 'approximately' when giving an estimate. It's appropriate in academic and professional contexts, but may sound overly formal in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

approximately + number/quantity

Memory hint

Approximate sounds like 'a-proximate' — think of being close to the exact point.

Collocations

  • approximately equal to
  • approximately 50%
  • approximately three hours

Synonyms

  • about
  • around
  • near

Antonyms

  • exactly
  • precisely

Common mistakes

  • Using 'approximately' with a precise number (e.g., saying 'approximately 2000' instead of 'about 2000').
  • Confusing 'approximately' with 'exactly'.
  • Omitting 'approximately' when it’s needed for clarity in estimates.