approximation

noun

ap·​prox·​i·​ma·​tion ə-ˌpräk-sə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: the act or process of drawing together

2

: the quality or state of being close or near

an approximation to the truth

an approximation of justice

3

: something that is approximate

especially : a mathematical quantity that is close in value to but not the same as a desired quantity

approximative

ə-ˈpräk-sə-ˌmā-tiv 

adjective

Examples of approximation in a Sentence

This isn't an exact figure but I think it's a good approximation of what the land is worth.

The color of the paint isn't the exact same color as the vase, but it's a close approximation.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Kiss of Death (1977) Leave it to Leigh to begin a rom-com (or at least his closest approximation to one) with a funeral. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2024

Can anyone plausibly argue that a world of algorithms speaking to algorithms for the purpose of giving ever-smaller slivers of voters a chance to elect the richest among us is a reasonable approximation of a functioning, democratic republic? —Penny Abeywardena, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

Horwitz and a team of economists put together an approximation of what an average family of four might buy each week at the supermarket, noting that there can be a lot of variation from one family to another. —Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2024

Auberjonois gives a rough approximation of Rivers’ New York accent but can’t master her comic timing. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

approximation

noun

ap·​prox·​i·​ma·​tion ə-ˌpräk-sə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: a coming near or close (as in value)

2

: something approximate

especially : an estimate or figure that is almost exact