Approximate Definition
ə-prŏksə-mĭt
approximated, approximates, approximating
adjective
Almost exact or correct.
The approximate time of the accident.
American Heritage
Near in position; close together.
Webster's New World
Very similar; closely resembling.
Sketched an approximate likeness of the suspect.
American Heritage
Much like; resembling.
Webster's New World
Close together but not united.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
verb
approximated, approximates, approximating
To come close to; be nearly the same as.
This meat substitute approximates the real thing.
American Heritage
To come near to; approach or be almost the same as.
This painting approximates reality.
Webster's New World
To come near; be almost the same.
Webster's New World
To bring near.
American Heritage
To bring near; make approach (to something)
Webster's New World
Origin of Approximate
-
Middle English from Late Latin approximātus past participle of approximāre to approach Latin ad- ad- proximāre to come near (from proximus nearest per1 in Indo-European roots)
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
-
From Latin approximatus, past participle of approximare (“to approach”); ad + proximare (“to come near”). See proximate.
From Wiktionary
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