approximately

[uh-prok-suh-mit-lee]

adverb

1. about; roughly; more or less.

   It’s approximately 25 miles from here to El Paso.

   Add approximately 2 cups of milk or water.

approximately

/ əˈprɒksɪmɪtlɪ /

adverb

1. close to; around; roughly or in the region of

Word History and Origins

Origin of approximately¹

First recorded in 1845–50; approximate ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

“For approximately 20 of my residents in this area, it completely lights up their yard and everything else,” Pohlman said, telling the judge that the flare was 45 feet high.

From Salon

California is physically immense, too, stretching approximately 800 miles from north to south, which makes costly advertising the only realistic way to communicate in a statewide top-of-the-ticket contest.

From Los Angeles Times

“The very uniqueness of the ‘city’ is it is only fully active for approximately 9 days.”

From Salon

He uses his portable air conditioning device approximately 15 days a year to keep his bedroom cool and help him sleep better.

From BBC

The total cost of repairs was approximately $7.9 million, officials said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• almost 
• generally 
• relatively 
• roughly