approximate

noun

(rare) An approximate result or quantity.

verb

(transitive) To come near to; to approach.

(transitive) To carry or advance near; to cause to approach.

(ambitransitive) To estimate.

adjective

Nearing correctness; nearly exact; not perfectly accurate.

Approaching; proximate; nearly resembling.

(botany) Drawn close together, but not united.

Roots

proximusproxim- · Latin · nearest

Synonyms for approximate

nearv inexactadj proximateadj roughadj impreciseadj approachingn

Synonyms & related words for approximate

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Words related to approximate

Explore words related to approximate — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include estimate, approximately, approximation, proximation, roughly, guesstimate, circa, estimative. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for approximate

Common synonyms for approximate include near, inexact, proximate, rough, imprecise, approaching — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does approximate come from?

The word approximate breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root proxim-, from Latin proximus (“nearest”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.