Approximately vs. Precisely — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Approximately and Precisely
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Definitions
Approximately➦
Used to show that something is almost, but not completely, accurate or exact; roughly
A journey of approximately two hours
Precisely➦
In a precise manner.
Approximately➦
Almost exact or correct
The approximate time of the accident.
Precisely➦
Used as an intensive
Inferior equipment was precisely the reason some hikers refused to continue the climb.
Approximately➦
Very similar; closely resembling
Sketched an approximate likeness of the suspect.
Precisely➦
(manner) In a precise manner; exactly.
I always try to express myself precisely.
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Approximately➦
(Botany) Close together but not united.
Precisely➦
(focus) Used to provide emphasis.
Approximately➦
To come close to; be nearly the same as
This meat substitute approximates the real thing.
Precisely➦
Indicating exactness or preciseness;
He was doing precisely (or exactly) what she had told him to do
It was just as he said--the jewel was gone
It has just enough salt
Approximately➦
To bring near.
Precisely➦
In a precise manner;
She always expressed herself precisely
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Approximately➦
To bring together, as cut edges of tissue.
Precisely➦
Just as it should be;
`Precisely, my lord,' he said
Approximately➦
To come near or close, as in degree, nature, or quality.
Approximately➦
Imprecise but close to in quantity or amount.
In every box of matches there are approximately 40 matchsticks.
Per 100
G of chocolate there is approximately 11.6
G of saturated fat.
...approximately 60 beats per minute.
Approximately➦
With approximation; so as to approximate; nearly.
Approximately➦
(of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct;
Lasted approximately an hour
In just about a minute
He's about 30 years old
I've had about all I can stand
We meet about once a month
Some forty people came
Weighs around a hundred pounds
Roughly $3,000
Holds 3 gallons, more or less
20 or so people were at the party
