approximation
/,əprɔksi'meiʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- An estimate or calculation that is close to but not exactly the actual value or quantity: A number, result, or statement that is nearly, but not completely, accurate.
- The quality or state of being close or similar to something else: The act of bringing near in position, nature, or value.
- An imprecise or simplified version of something: An account, description, or model that captures the general idea but lacks exact detail.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The figure of 10.5 million is a close approximation of the actual population.
- This map gives only a rough approximation of the terrain.
- In the early stages of design, we work with approximations before finalizing the calculations.
Advanced Usage
- "As a first approximation": Used to describe an initial, simplified estimate or model to begin an analysis.
- As a first approximation, we can assume the market will grow by 5% annually.
- "To a first approximation": A phrase meaning "in a simplified or roughly accurate way."
- To a first approximation, the Earth's orbit can be considered circular.
Variants and Related Words
- Approximate (verb): To come close or be similar to something in quality, nature, or quantity.
- The cost will approximate $200.
- Approximate (adjective): Nearly exact or accurate, but not completely so.
- Please give me an approximate time of arrival.
- Approximately (adverb): Used to show that something is almost, but not completely, accurate or exact.
- The journey takes approximately three hours.
Synonyms
- Estimate: A rough calculation or judgment of value, number, quantity, or extent.
- Guess: An estimate or conclusion formed without sufficient information for certainty.
- Rough calculation: A quick, not highly precise mathematical estimate.
Related Phrases
- Ballpark figure: A rough numerical estimate or approximation.
- Can you give me a ballpark figure for the total cost?
- Back-of-the-envelope calculation: A quick, informal approximation or estimate.
- He did a back-of-the-envelope calculation to see if the project was feasible.
Idioms
- Close enough for government work: A humorous idiom meaning an approximation is sufficiently accurate for the purpose at hand.
- The measurements aren't perfect, but they're close enough for government work.
Noun
- the act of bringing near or bringing together especially the cut edges of tissue
- an imprecise or incomplete account
- newspapers gave only an approximation of the actual events
- the quality of coming near to identity (especially close in quantity)
- an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth
- an estimate of what it would cost
- a rough idea how long it would take