approximation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “approximation” mean?
A rough estimate or calculation that is close to the correct value but not exact.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rough estimate or calculation that is close to the correct value but not exact.
A value, quantity, or representation that is intentionally simplified or imprecise but sufficiently close for a given purpose; in linguistics, the production of a non-native speech sound that resembles the target.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British academic writing in pure mathematics contexts; slightly more common in American engineering/tech contexts.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties. Slightly higher in AmE corpus due to prevalence of tech/business writing.
Grammar
How to Use “approximation” in a Sentence
approximation of [something]approximation to [a target/value]approximation that [clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “approximation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The software can approximate the complex fluid dynamics.
- We can only approximate the total cost at this stage.
American English
- The model approximates the behavior of the stock market.
- I'd approximate the distance to be about ten miles.
adverb
British English
- The journey will take approximately three hours.
- The project cost is approximately £50,000.
American English
- The meeting lasted approximately 45 minutes.
- The population is approximately 100,000 people.
adjective
British English
- The approximate figure was sufficient for the initial proposal.
- We work with approximate values in the early design phase.
American English
- Give me an approximate time for your arrival.
- The approximate weight of the package is five kilograms.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in forecasting, budgeting, and planning to indicate preliminary, non-binding figures. 'The Q3 revenue projection is only an approximation.'
Academic
Central to mathematics, physics, and computer science for describing simplified models or iterative methods. 'The linear approximation simplifies the complex equation.'
Everyday
Used for informal guesses about time, cost, or quantity. 'Can you give me an approximation of how many people will come?'
Technical
Key term in numerical analysis, statistics, and engineering for algorithms and models that find near-optimal solutions. 'The algorithm uses a polynomial approximation of the function.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “approximation”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “approximation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “approximation”
- Using 'approximation' when 'estimate' is more natural in everyday speech (overly formal).
- Misspelling as 'aproximation' (missing the double 'p').
- Confusing with 'proximation' (not a standard word).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very close synonyms. 'Approximation' often emphasizes the result being *close to* the truth, while 'estimation' emphasizes the *process of calculating* a likely value. An approximation can be a type of estimate.
No, by definition, an approximation is not exact. It is a value or representation that is *close to* but not equal to the exact or true value.
It is a method, often used in mathematics and machine learning, where you start with a rough guess and repeatedly refine it to get closer and closer to the desired result.
It is moderately formal. In everyday conversation, people often use 'rough guess', 'ballpark figure', or 'about'. 'Approximation' is more common in academic, technical, and professional writing.
A rough estimate or calculation that is close to the correct value but not exact.
Approximation: in British English it is pronounced /əˌprɒk.sɪˈmeɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˌprɑːk.səˈmeɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In the ballpark (related concept)”
- “Close enough for government work (humorous, related)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'APPROXIMATION' as being 'APPROXIMATely' correct. The '-ION' turns the 'close to' idea into a noun—the *thing* that is close to correct.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROXIMITY IS ACCURACY (a 'close' approximation), SIMPLIFICATION IS A USEFUL LIE (a model that is 'good enough').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'approximation' LEAST appropriate?