French Conversation · Level 57
74 words
French word
approximativement
Pronunciation
IPA/apʁɔksimativəmɑ̃/
Meaning
- adverbaround
Example
Le film dure approximativement deux heures.
The film lasts around two hours.
More examples
La cuisson prend approximativement dix minutes.
Cooking takes approximately ten minutes.
Core concept
A measurement shown with its edges blurred around a central value.
Common phrases
approximativement deux heures
approximately two hours
approximativement dix minutes
approximately ten minutes
approximativement 50 pour cent
approximately 50 percent
Similar words
environ: Used in everyday speech for an approximate number or time.
à peu près: Used naturally in conversation when a quantity or time is not exact.
plus ou moins: Expressing uncertainty about the exact degree or quantity.
Definition in French
Indique qu'une quantité, une durée ou une estimation est donnée sans précision exacte, de façon approximative.
Word origin
The adverb is formed from approximatif with the suffix -ment and ultimately relates to Latin approximare, meaning to approach.
Usage tips
- Approximativement has a formal, written tone, while environ and à peu près are usually more natural in everyday speech.
Opposites
- exactementexactlyadverb
- précisémentpreciselyadverb
Related words
- approximationapproximationnoun
- approximatifapproximateadjective
- approximerapproximateverb