approximation

[uh-prok-suh-mey-shuhn]

noun

1. a guess or estimate.

   Ninety-three million miles is an approximation of the distance of the earth from the sun.

2. nearness in space, position, degree, or relation; proximity; closeness.

3. Mathematics, Physics.,  a result that is not necessarily exact, but is within the limits of accuracy required for a given purpose.

approximation

/ əˌprɒksɪˈmeɪʃən /

noun

1. the process or result of making a rough calculation, estimate, or guess

   he based his conclusion on his own approximation of the fuel consumption

2. an imprecise or unreliable record or version

   an approximation of what really happened

3. maths an inexact number, relationship, or theory that is sufficiently accurate for a specific purpose

4. maths

   1. an estimate of the value of some quantity to a desired degree of accuracy

   2. an expression in simpler terms than a given expression which approximates to it

Other Word Forms

• approximative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of approximation¹

1400–50; late Middle English approximacioun (< Middle French ) < Medieval Latin approximātiōn-, stem of approximātiō. See approximate, -ion

Example Sentences

A pinched approximation of a muted trumpet suggests some kind of mutant jazz unfolding nearby, while unpredictable pitch changes conjure visions of a tape slipping off a spool.

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Burns invokes the Patriots dumping British tea into Boston Harbor, garbed in approximations of Indian dress mixed with their usual clothing.

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Also, the hair stylist deserves an Oscar for White’s fantastic approximation of Springsteen’s early ’80’s hair.

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Afraid of deportation — and with just five hours before the payment deadline — she selected the closest approximation she could find, $110 for an appeal filed before July 7.

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“We gave our best approximation to the lawmakers, and they made their decision,” he said.

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