What is approximate? Pronunciation and usage in English

approximate means . Learn how to pronounce and use approximate through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of approximate

approximateadjective

/əˈprɒksɪmət/
Definition & pronunciation of approximate

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "approximate." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown with phonetic transcription and tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ˈæprəˌkeɪt/

Let's break that down:

  • ˈ (primary stress): This symbol indicates that the primary emphasis is on the first syllable.
  • æ (as in "cat"): This is a short, open "a" sound, like in the word "cat" or "hat."
  • prə (the first syllable): “pr” as in “pray” followed by a weak schwa sound (ə) - a very short, unstressed “uh” sound.
  • ˌ (secondary stress): This mark indicates that the second syllable is also stressed, though not as strongly as the first.
  • k (as in "kite"): A regular ‘k’ sound.
  • ay (as in "say"): This is the diphthong – a vowel sound that moves smoothly from one sound to another. Starts like an “ah” and ends like an “i.”

2. Word-by-Word Breakdown & Pronunciation:

  • ap – Think of “app” (as in apple) but with a slightly shorter vowel sound.
  • prox – Sounds like “prox” (as in “progress”).
  • ** imate** – This is the trickiest part. It’s pronounced like “ih-mat.” The “i” is short, as in “it.” The “mat” part rhymes with "hat."

3. Putting it All Together - How to Say It:

Think of it like this: “ap-prox-i-mat.” Emphasize the first syllable ("ap"), then the second ("prox"), and finally the third ("imate").

4. Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "ap-prox-a-mate." The “a” in “mate” is not pronounced. It’s a silent “a.”
  • The “prox” part is often rushed. Make sure you’re pronouncing it clearly, like “prox.”
  • Practice with recordings: Listen to native speakers pronounce the word online (e.g., Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Cambridge Dictionary). Repeating after them is a great way to improve your pronunciation.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

To help me tailor my explanation to you, could you tell me:

  • Are you a complete beginner to English, or do you have some existing knowledge?
  • Would you like me to focus on any particular aspect of the pronunciation (e.g., slowing it down, emphasizing a specific sound)?

Usage and examples with the word approximate in English

Let's break down how to use the word "approximate" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a slightly formal feel.

1. Core Meaning:

At its most basic, "approximate" means to be nearly equal to something, or to estimate something. It suggests a degree of uncertainty or lack of precision.

2. Common Uses & Phrases:

  • As a Verb (To Estimate): This is the most common usage.

    • "I'll approximate the cost to be around $50." (I'll estimate it to be about $50.)
    • "Let's approximate the distance to the restaurant as about 10 miles." (Let's estimate the distance to be around 10 miles.)
    • "The scientist approximated the value of pi to 3.14." (The scientist estimated pi's value to be around 3.14.)

  • As an Adjective (Nearly Equal): Used to describe something that's close to a particular value.

    • "This is an approximate solution to the problem." (This is a solution that's close to correct, but not perfectly accurate.)
    • "The temperature is approximately 25 degrees Celsius." (The temperature is nearly 25 degrees Celsius.)
    • "It’s an approximate figure; the real number might be slightly different." (It's an estimated number; the actual number could vary a little.)

  • Phrases:

    • "Approximately" - This is the adverb form. It's often smoother and more common in spoken English than "approximate." “Approximately 75% of the students passed the exam.”
    • "Around" – Often used interchangeably with “approximate” or “approximately,” especially in spoken English. “The movie is around 2 hours long.”
    • "Roughly" - A more informal synonym for "approximate." "It’ll take roughly two weeks to finish the project."
    • "To approximate" – “We need to approximate the area of the circle.” (We need to estimate the area.)

3. Important Nuances & Considerations:

  • Level of Precision: "Approximate" implies a degree of uncertainty. It’s not perfect accuracy. If you need absolute precision, you’d use a more exact number or method.

  • Formal vs. Informal: "Approximate" and “approximately” are more formal than “around” or “roughly.” Use "around" in casual conversations.

  • Context: Be clear about what you’re approximating to. For example, "approximately 25 degrees Celsius" tells you the value is near 25 degrees Celsius.

4. Examples in Sentences (Varied):

  • "The engineer is approximating the strength of the bridge by using computer simulations."
  • "The accountant provided an approximate monthly budget, acknowledging that expenses might fluctuate."
  • "The map shows an approximate location of the hidden treasure."
  • "I approximately spent $100 on groceries this week."
  • “She approximately finished the project last night.”

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "approximate" in specific contexts (e.g., math, science, business)?
  • Compare it to similar words like "estimate," "calculate," or "figure"?
  • Help you practice using it in sentences?

Synonyms for the word approximate

Practice with vocabulary approximate

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The engineer provided an __________ estimate of the project's completion time.
  2. The temperature in the room was __________ to 25 degrees Celsius.
  3. The team decided to focus on a __________ solution that could be implemented quickly.
  4. Her calculations were not exact, but they were __________ enough for our purposes.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word means "close to the actual value but not exact"?
    a) precise
    b) approximate
    c) accurate
    d) vague

  2. The scientist gave a __________ figure for the experiment results.
    a) random
    b) approximate
    c) unreliable
    d) detailed

  3. Which of the following can replace "rough" in this sentence: "The cost is roughly $500"?
    a) exactly
    b) approximately
    c) precisely
    d) strictly

  4. Which word does NOT fit in this sentence: "The __________ location of the event is still unclear"?
    a) exact
    b) precise
    c) approximate
    d) definite

  5. The manager asked for a __________ timeline for the project.
    a) clear
    b) specific
    c) approximate
    d) final

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The meeting will start at around 10 AM.
    Rewritten: The meeting will start at approximately 10 AM.

  2. Original: Her estimate was close to the actual number.
    Rewritten: Her estimate was approximate to the actual number.

  3. Original: The data provided was not exact but still useful.
    Rewritten: The data provided was not precise but still useful.

Answers:

Exercise 1:

  1. approximate
  2. close
  3. practical
  4. reasonable

Exercise 2:

  1. b) approximate
  2. b) approximate
  3. b) approximately
  4. c) approximate
  5. c) approximate

Exercise 3:

  1. The meeting will start at approximately 10 AM.
  2. Her estimate was approximate to the actual number.
  3. The data provided was not precise but still useful.

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