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approximate definition

ap·proxi·mate (ə präk′sə mit; for v., -māt′)

adjective

  1. near in position; close together
  2. much like; resembling
  3. more or less correct or exact

Etymology: ME < LL approximatus, pp. of approximare, to come near < L ad-, to + proximus, superl. of prope, near

transitive verb approximated -·mat′ed, approximating -·mat′·ing

  1. to come near to; approach or be almost the same as this painting approximates reality
  2. to bring near; make approach (to something)

intransitive verb

to come near; be almost the same

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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