approximation.

1. The process of obtaining an inexact value or description close enough for a relevant purpose.

2. An inexact value or description used in place of an exact one.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• numerical approximation
• approximation of a quantity

On the page

Numerical approximation reduced the computation while preserving the required tolerance.

The approximation of the quantity relied on an explicit simplifying assumption.

Usage notes

Primary category: academic / formal. Forms: Usually uncountable for approximating; singular approximation and plural approximations for results. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Writing functions: explicit explanation, scope and categorization, proof and interpretation, philosophical foundations. Disciplines: academic writing, formal reasoning, philosophy. Commonness: moderately common.