Basic Details
Word: Approximately
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: Almost, but not exactly; an estimation of a number or time.
Synonyms: About, nearly, roughly
Antonyms: Precisely, exactly, accurately
Idioms and Phrases
- Approximately speaking: This phrase is used when you are giving a general idea or estimation. Example: "Approximately speaking, the event is expected to start around 3 PM."
- Approximately the same: Used to indicate that two things are very similar or equal in some way. Example: "The two houses are approximately the same size, making them comparable in value."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The journey will take approximately two hours, depending on traffic.
Example 2: There are approximately twenty students in the classroom at any given time.
Example 3: The recipe calls for approximately a cup of sugar to sweeten the cake.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "approximately" comes from the Latin word "approximare," which means "to come near"? This reflects how we use the word to express something that is close, but not exact.
Famous Quote
"It is better to be approximately right than precisely wrong." John Maynard Keynes
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "approximately" mean?
a) Exactly
b) Almost, but not exactly
c) Completely
d) Differently
Answer: b) Almost, but not exactly
2. Which of these is a synonym of "approximately"?
a) Exactly
b) Roughly
c) Correctly
d) Uniquely
Answer: b) Roughly
3. Which of these is an antonym of "approximately"?
a) Nearly
b) Precisely
c) About
d) Roughly
Answer: b) Precisely
4. Which sentence uses "approximately" correctly?
a) It is approximately raining outside.
b) The meeting will last approximately one hour.
c) I have approximately three apples in my pocket.
d) She approximately dances beautifully.
Answer: b) The meeting will last approximately one hour.
5. Which idiom means the same as "approximately"?
a) Exactly what I mean
b) Approximately speaking
c) A picture is worth a thousand words
d) A penny for your thoughts
Answer: b) Approximately speaking
