approximation

approximation — noun

1. a figure or amount given as a near estimate instead of a precise one

1.名詞C1
釋義

a figure or amount given as a near estimate instead of a precise one

例句

The repair bill is only an approximation until the parts arrive.

used before final numbers are known

By noon, the officer gave an approximation of the crowd size.

approximation of + amount

同義詞
  • estimate

    the closest general word and often more neutral in tone

  • guess

    less careful and can suggest little evidence

  • calculation

    stresses working something out, often with numbers

  • ballpark figure

    informal and mainly used for a rough number

反義詞

文法句型

an approximation of the cost

make an approximation

a rough approximation

用法筆記

Often used for numbers, totals, time, distance, or cost when the speaker cannot yet give a final figure. Distinguish from sense 2, which describes a thing that resembles something else rather than a numerical estimate.

常見錯誤

❌The cost is approximation 300 dollars.
✅The cost is approximately 300 dollars.
💡approximation is a noun, so it cannot directly replace the adverb approximately before a number.

2. something close to another thing in form or effect, but not fully the same

2.名詞C1
釋義

something close to another thing in form or effect, but not fully the same

例句

The toy castle was a cheap approximation of the real building.

approximation of + original

Her paper mask was only an approximation of her grandfather's face.

同義詞
  • version

    broad and neutral, but not always close in detail

  • likeness

    often used when something looks like a person or object

  • imitation

    can suggest a copy and sometimes a less valuable one

  • model

    often refers to a physical or visual representation

反義詞
  • original

    the real thing that the approximation is based on

  • exact copy

    matches the original much more fully

文法句型

an approximation of something

a close approximation to something

an approximation to the real thing

用法筆記

Usually followed by of or to when one object, picture, sound, or effect is compared with a real thing or a model. Distinguish from sense 1, which is mainly about rough numbers or amounts.

常見錯誤

❌The model is an approximation for the old bridge.
✅The model is an approximation of the old bridge.
💡this sense usually links the similar thing to the original with of or to, not for.