Approximate

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /É™.ˈpɹɒk.sɪ.mÉ™t/
• US IPA: /É™.ˈpɹɑk.sÉ™.mÉ™t/

• RP IPA: /É™.ˈpɹɒk.sɪ.meɪt/
• US IPA: /É™.ˈpɹɑk.sÉ™.meɪt/

Origin

From Latin approximatus, past participle of approximare ("to approach"); ad + proximare ("to come near"). See proximate.

Full definition of approximate

Adjective

1. Approaching; proximate; nearly resembling.
2. Near correctness; nearly exact; not perfectly accurate.Approximate results or values.To help carry out its mission, NASA's Genesis spacecraft has on board an ion monitor to record the speed, density, temperature and approximate composition of the solar wind ions.

Antonyms

• exact, precise

Derived terms

Verb

1. To carry or advance near; to cause to approach.To approximate the inequality of riches to the level of nature. --Burke.
2. To come near to; to approach.The telescope approximates perfection. --J. Morse.
3. To estimate.