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approximate

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The definition of approximate is a time or a tangible item which is close to something else but not exactly like it.

(adjective)

Stating that a play will start at 7:00 when it will actually start a few minutes after that is an example of the time of 7:00 being an approximate time.

To approximate is defined as to get a general idea or to come close to something.

(verb)

To round off numbers so you can estimate the answer is an example of how to approximate an answer.

See approximate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

near in position; close together
much like; resembling
more or less correct or exact

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

transitive verb approximated, approximating

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

intransitive verb

to come near; be almost the same

Related Forms:

approximately adverb

See approximate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Almost exact or correct: the approximate time of the accident.
Very similar; closely resembling: sketched an approximate likeness of the suspect.
Botany Close together but not united.

verb (-mātˌ) ap·prox·i·mat·ed, ap·prox·i·mat·ing, ap·prox·i·mates

verb, transitive