approximate
2 antonyms and opposites of approximate, grouped by meaning.
Adj — Close to the exact number or amount, but not precise.
Antonyms
How to use approximate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin approximatus, from ad- + proximare, "to come near," from proximus, "nearest."
Full origin of approximate →Frequently asked questions
What does “approximate” mean?
The word “approximate” means close to the exact number or amount, but not precise. In plain terms, roughly correct or close to something, without being exact.
How do you pronounce “approximate”?
“Approximate” is pronounced uh-PROK-sih-muht (/əˈpɹɑk.sə.mət/ in IPA).
How do you use “approximate” in a sentence?
Here is “approximate” used in a sentence: “Give me an approximate time and I'll plan around it.”
What is another word for “approximate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “approximate” include close.
What is the opposite of “approximate”?
The opposite of “approximate” — its antonyms — are exact and precise.
What part of speech is “approximate”?
Depending on how it is used, “approximate” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “approximate” come from?
The word “approximate” comes from Latin. From Latin approximatus, from ad- + proximare, "to come near," from proximus, "nearest.".
Is “approximate” a common word?
“Approximate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between approximate and exact?
Approximate describes something close to the exact number or amount but not precise, while exact means precisely correct with no margin of error. An approximate figure gives a useful estimate, whereas an exact figure is the verified true value.
How is approximate used as a verb versus an adjective?
As an adjective, approximate describes something close to an exact value, as in 'the approximate cost.' As a verb, it means to come close to something in value, quality, or nature, as in 'the estimate approximates the actual figure.' The two forms share the core idea of closeness but differ in grammatical role.
When should you use approximate instead of about?
Approximate is more formal than about and is common in technical, scientific, or written contexts where precision-adjacent language is expected, such as reports or statistics. About is more casual and works well in everyday speech, while approximate suits contexts describing a value that is close to the exact number or amount but not precise.