approximation

/,əprɔksi'meiʃn/

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Word: Approximation

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: An approximation is something that is close to, but not exactly the same as, the real thing. It can refer to a rough estimate or guess about numbers, amounts, or descriptions. For example, if you give a rough idea of how much something costs or how long something will take, that can be called an approximation.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "approximation" when you want to describe an estimate or a near estimate of something.
• It is often used in contexts like math, science, or even everyday situations where exact numbers or details are not available.

Examples:

1. "The teacher gave us an approximation of how much time we would need to finish the project."
2. "The news article provided only an approximation of what happened during the event."

Advanced Usage:

In advanced contexts, "approximation" can be used in technical fields, such as mathematics or engineering, where precise calculations are often impossible. For instance, engineers might use approximations to make calculations easier when working with complex systems.

Word Variants:

• Approximate (adjective): Close to the actual, but not completely accurate.
  • Example: "The approximate location of the meeting is in the downtown area."
• Approximating (verb): The act of estimating or coming close to a value.
  • Example: "He is approximating the total cost of the groceries."

Different Meanings:

1. In mathematics, an approximation could refer to a value that is close to a more complex or exact number, like using 3.14 for π (pi).
2. In a more general sense, it can refer to a situation or description that is not quite accurate but gives a good idea of what is being discussed.

Synonyms:

• Estimate
• Rough calculation
• Guess
• Ballpark figure
• Rough idea

Idioms:

While there are no direct idioms that use "approximation," you might encounter phrases like "give a ballpark figure," which means to provide a rough estimate or approximation.

Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific phrasal verbs associated with "approximation," but you can combine "approximate" with words to create contexts, such as "approximate to" or "approximate to a value."

Summary:

In summary, "approximation" is a useful term when you need to talk about estimates or near values. It helps in everyday conversations as well as in more technical discussions.

Academic

Noun

1. the act of bringing near or bringing together especially the cut edges of tissue
2. an imprecise or incomplete account
   • newspapers gave only an approximation of the actual events
3. the quality of coming near to identity (especially close in quantity)
4. an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth
   • an estimate of what it would cost
   • a rough idea how long it would take

Synonyms

• bringing close together
• estimate
• estimation
• idea