What is approximately? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of approximately

approximatelyadverb

/əˈprɒksɪmətli/
Definition & pronunciation of approximately

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "approximately." It's a tricky word! Here's a breakdown with phonetic spelling and tips:

Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ˌæprəˈmaɪkrəti/

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • ap- (ə): This is a very short, unstressed "uh" sound – like the "a" in "about." It’s almost silent. Think of it as almost swallowed.
  • prox- (ˈpra): This is where it gets a bit tricky. The "prox" part is pronounced like "pruh." The stress here is on this syllable. It's a clear, short "uh" sound, like in "up."
  • i- (ˈmaɪ): This is the "my" sound – like the "my" in "mystery."
  • -mate (ə-ˈkrə): This is pronounced like “a-kruh,” this is where the stress is.
  • -ri- (ˈti): This is the “tee” sound – like in "tree."

Putting it all together:

It sounds something like: "uh-pruh-my-a-kruh-tee" (with the 'uh' sounds very short and unstressed).

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable: "prox-".
  • Short ‘uh’ sounds: Really focus on reducing the "ap" and “a” to short, almost silent “uh” sounds.
  • Practice slowly: Break the word into smaller parts and practice each syllable individually before combining them.
  • Listen to examples: This is the most helpful. Search on YouTube for "how to pronounce approximately" and listen to native speakers:

Resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using "approximately"?

Usage and examples with the word approximately in English

Let's break down how to use "approximately" in English. It's a useful word to signal you're giving an estimate rather than a precise figure.

1. What it Means

"Approximately" means "about" or "around." It indicates that a number or amount is close to a specific value, but not exact.

2. How to Use It

  • With Numbers: This is the most common usage.

    • Example: "The meeting will start approximately at 2:30 PM." (It's likely to start at 2:30, but there might be a few minutes' leeway.)
    • Example: "The cost of the project is approximately $5,000." (It could be slightly more or less than $5,000.)
    • Example: "The temperature is approximately 25 degrees Celsius."

  • With Measurements:

    • Example: "The room is approximately 10 feet wide." (It’s close to 10 feet, perhaps 9.5 or 10.5 feet.)
    • Example: “The book weighs approximately 300 grams.”

  • With Time (intervals):

    • Example: "The delivery will arrive approximately in 2-3 days." (It will arrive within that timeframe)

3. Key Considerations and Alternatives

  • Follow with a more precise number (if possible): "Approximately 50" is clearer than just "approximately." If you have a range, use it: "Between 50 and 60."

  • Using "around" is very similar: "Around 2:30 PM" is essentially the same as "approximately 2:30 PM." "Around $5,000" works perfectly. “Around 10 feet” is also interchangeable.

  • "About" is another common substitute: "About 50" is perfectly acceptable in most contexts.

  • "Roughly" and "Nearly" – Subtle Differences:

    • Roughly: Suggests a less accurate estimate. "The distance is roughly 10 miles."
    • Nearly: Implies a closer approximation. "It’s nearly finished."

  • When to Use It: Use "approximately" when you don't have an exact figure and you want to be clear that you’re giving an estimate. It's often used in situations where precision isn’t critical.

4. Examples in Different Contexts

  • Business: "We anticipate sales will be approximately $1 million this quarter."
  • Science: "The reaction time was approximately 0.5 seconds."
  • Everyday Conversation: “I’ll be there approximately by 7:15.”

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overuse: Don’t use “approximately” constantly. If you can provide a more specific number, do so.
  • Using it for precise figures: "Approximately 10" sounds awkward. It’s best for estimates.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on (e.g., formal report, casual email, creative writing)?
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you'd like to use "approximately"?

Synonyms for the word approximately

Practice with vocabulary approximately

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The meeting will start at _______ 3:00 PM, so please arrive a few minutes early.
  2. The project cost is _______ $50,000, but we’ll confirm the exact amount after the budget review.
  3. The price of the car is _______ $25,000, but it might be lower if you negotiate.
  4. The flight takes _______ 8 hours, depending on the weather conditions.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The population of the city is:
    a) exactly 1 million
    b) approximately 1 million
    c) precisely 1 million
    d) nearly 1 million

  2. The temperature outside is:
    a) roughly 20°C
    b) exactly 20°C
    c) approximately 20°C
    d) barely 20°C

  3. The book costs:
    a) around $15
    b) approximately $15
    c) exactly $15
    d) close to $15

  4. The length of the bridge is:
    a) precisely 500 meters
    b) about 500 meters
    c) nearly 500 meters
    d) exactly 500 meters

  5. The meeting duration is:
    a) roughly 2 hours
    b) approximately 2 hours
    c) exactly 2 hours
    d) nearly 2 hours

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The project will take about three months to complete.
  2. The building is nearly 100 meters tall.
  3. The population of the town is around 10,000 people.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. approximately
  2. approximately
  3. roughly
  4. about

Exercise 2:

  1. b) approximately, d) nearly
  2. a) roughly, c) approximately
  3. a) around, b) approximately, d) close to
  4. b) about, c) nearly
  5. a) roughly, b) approximately, d) nearly

Exercise 3:

  1. The project will take approximately three months to complete.
  2. The building is approximately 100 meters tall.
  3. The population of the town is roughly 10,000 people.

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