approximately
Pronunciation: /əˈprɒksɪmətli/
adverb
Definition of approximately
Close to an exact amount but not completely accurate
Synonyms for approximately
- roughly
- about
- nearly
approximately in a Sentence
- Approximately 70 percent of the Earth's surface is covered by water.
Why approximately Matters for GRE & SAT
"approximately" is a adverb that means "Close to an exact amount but not completely accurate" closely related to words like "roughly", "about", "nearly". As a word starting with A, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.
On the GRE, understanding "approximately" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "approximately" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.
Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (adverb). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "approximately" into long-term memory.
How to Remember approximately
One effective way to remember "approximately" (adverb) is to group it with similar words you already know: "roughly" and "about" and "nearly". When you encounter "approximately" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "Close to an exact amount but not completely accurate".
Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "approximately" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.
Related Words
- abate — decrease in intensity; lessen
- aberrant — deviating from what is normal or expected
- aberration — A departure from what is normal or expected
- abet — assist or encourage, usually in wrongdoing
- abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
- abhor — detest or regard with deep hatred
- abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
- abject — most unfortunate or miserable
More Vocabulary Words Starting with A
- abate — decrease in intensity; lessen
- aberrant — deviating from what is normal or expected
- aberration — A departure from what is normal or expected
- abet — assist or encourage, usually in wrongdoing
- abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
- abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
- abhor — detest or regard with deep hatred
- abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
- abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
- abject — most unfortunate or miserable
Learned in
- SAT Algebra Questions — Strategy & Practice Guide — Master SAT Algebra questions covering linear equations, systems, and inequalities. 35% of SAT Math with step-by-step strategies and tips.
- SAT Advanced Math — Quadratics, Polynomials & More — Tackle SAT Advanced Math questions on quadratics, polynomials, exponentials, and radicals. Covers 35% of SAT Math with proven strategies.
- What Is a Good GRE Score? Score Ranges Explained — Understand GRE score ranges and what counts as a good GRE score in 2025. Percentiles, average scores, and target scores by program type.
- GRE Verbal Score Breakdown — What Scores Mean — Understand GRE Verbal Reasoning scores (130-170). Score percentiles, what top programs expect, and how to improve your Verbal score.
- GRE Quantitative Score — What's a Good Quant Score? — GRE Quantitative Reasoning score guide. Understand percentiles, target scores for STEM programs, and strategies to boost your Quant score.
- What Is a Good SAT Score? 2025 Score Guide — Understand SAT score ranges for 2025. Learn what scores top colleges expect, average SAT scores, and how to set your target score.