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Approximate vs Approximated: How Are These Words Connected?

Approximate vs Approximated: How Are These Words Connected?

Are you using the terms “approximate” and “approximated” interchangeably? It’s time to stop. These two words may sound alike, but they have different meanings and uses. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between approximate vs approximated and when to use each one.

We should clarify the meaning of each word. “Approximate” is an adjective that means close to the actual, but not completely accurate or exact. On the other hand, “approximated” is a verb that means to estimate or calculate something to be close to the actual value or figure.

It’s important to understand the distinction between these two terms to avoid confusion and to ensure that your message is clear and accurate. In the following sections, we’ll explore the appropriate use of each term in different contexts.

Define Approximate

Approximate is an adjective that describes something that is close to the actual value or amount, but not exactly the same. It is often used to indicate an estimation or a rough calculation. In other words, when something is approximate, it is not precise or accurate.

For example, if you say that the approximate cost of a new car is $30,000, you are indicating that the actual cost may be slightly higher or lower than that amount, but it should be somewhere in that range.

Another example of using approximate in a sentence would be: “The approximate distance between New York and Los Angeles is 2,800 miles.”

Define Approximated

Approximated is a verb that means to estimate or calculate something to be close to the actual value or amount. It is often used in the past tense to describe a calculation or estimation that has already been made.

For example, if you say that you approximated the cost of a new car to be $30,000, you are indicating that you made a rough calculation or estimation of the cost, but it may not be exactly accurate.

Another example of using approximated in a sentence would be: “The team approximated the number of attendees at the event to be around 500.”

Comparison of approximate and approximated
Term Part of speech Definition
Approximate Adjective Close to the actual value or amount, but not exactly the same
Approximated Verb To estimate or calculate something to be close to the actual value or amount

Overall, the difference between approximate and approximated is that the former is an adjective used to describe something that is close to the actual value or amount, while the latter is a verb used to describe the act of estimating or calculating something to be close to the actual value or amount.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to using words in a sentence, precision is key. The subtle differences between words can have a significant impact on the meaning of a sentence. In this article, we will explore the proper use of the words approximate and approximated.

How To Use “Approximate” In A Sentence

The word “approximate” is an adjective that means close to the actual, but not completely accurate or precise. It is often used to describe something that is an estimate or an approximation. Here are some examples of how to use “approximate” in a sentence:

  • The approximate cost of the project is $10,000.
  • The approximate time it will take to complete the task is two hours.
  • The temperature outside is approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

As you can see from these examples, “approximate” is used to indicate that something is not exact, but rather an estimation or approximation.

How To Use “Approximated” In A Sentence

The word “approximated” is a verb that means to come close to or estimate something. It is often used to describe the act of making an approximation. Here are some examples of how to use “approximated” in a sentence:

  • The team approximated the cost of the project to be $10,000.
  • The scientist approximated the age of the fossil to be 10,000 years old.
  • The pilot approximated the landing location based on the coordinates given.

As you can see from these examples, “approximated” is used to describe the act of estimating or coming close to a value or location.

More Examples Of Approximate & Approximated Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the difference between “approximate” and “approximated,” let’s take a look at some examples of how each word can be used in a sentence.

Examples Of Using “Approximate” In A Sentence

  • The approximate cost of the project is $10,000.
  • She gave an approximate time of arrival of 2:00 PM.
  • The approximate weight of the package is 5 pounds.
  • The approximate distance between the two cities is 100 miles.
  • The approximate age of the tree is 50 years old.
  • The approximate length of the movie is 2 hours.
  • The approximate number of guests at the party was 50.
  • The approximate size of the room is 10 feet by 12 feet.
  • The approximate time it took to complete the task was 2 hours.
  • The approximate temperature outside is 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Examples Of Using “Approximated” In A Sentence

  • The distance was approximated using a GPS device.
  • The cost of the project was approximated by the contractor.
  • The weight of the package was approximated by the shipping company.
  • The number of attendees was approximated by the event planner.
  • The age of the artifact was approximated by the archaeologist.
  • The time it took to complete the race was approximated by the runner.
  • The size of the crowd was approximated by the police officer.
  • The temperature of the room was approximated by the thermostat.
  • The amount of rainfall was approximated by the meteorologist.
  • The value of the antique was approximated by the appraiser.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “approximate” and “approximated”, it’s common for people to interchange them. However, this can lead to confusion and incorrect usage. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Approximate” As A Verb

One common mistake is using “approximate” as a verb, as in “I will approximate the distance.” However, “approximate” is an adjective, not a verb. The correct verb form is “approximate to”, as in “I will estimate the distance to be approximately 5 miles.”

Using “Approximated” Instead Of “Approximate”

Another mistake is using “approximated” instead of “approximate”. “Approximated” is a past tense verb, while “approximate” is an adjective. For example, saying “I approximated the cost to be $100” is incorrect. The correct way to say it is “I estimated the cost to be approximately $100.”

Confusing “Approximate” And “Precise”

It’s important to note that “approximate” does not mean the same thing as “precise”. “Approximate” means close to the actual value, while “precise” means exact. Using these words interchangeably can lead to confusion and incorrect usage. For example, saying “I need a precise estimate” when you actually mean “I need an approximate estimate” can lead to miscommunication.

Tips To Avoid Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:

  • Remember that “approximate” is an adjective, not a verb
  • Use “approximate to” instead of “approximate”
  • Double-check that you are using the correct word – “approximate” or “approximated”
  • Be mindful of the difference between “approximate” and “precise”

Context Matters

Choosing between the words approximate and approximated can be tricky as it depends on the context in which they are used. To use either of these words correctly, it is important to understand the nuances of their meanings and how they can change based on the context.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between approximate and approximated might change:

Context 1: Mathematics

In mathematics, the word approximate is often used to describe a value that is close to the actual value, but not exactly the same. For example, if the actual value of a number is 5.7, a value of 5.6 or 5.8 can be considered approximate. On the other hand, the word approximated is used to describe the process of finding an approximate value. For instance, if we want to approximate the value of pi, we can use the formula 22/7, which gives us an approximated value of 3.14.

Context 2: Science

In science, the word approximate is often used to describe a measurement that is not exact but is close enough for practical purposes. For example, if we measure the temperature of a liquid and get a value of 25.3 degrees Celsius, we can say that the temperature is approximately 25 degrees Celsius. In this context, the word approximated is rarely used.

Context 3: Language

In language, the word approximate is often used to describe a guess or estimation of a value or quantity. For example, if someone asks you how many people attended a concert, and you don’t have the exact number, you can give an approximate number based on your estimation. In this context, the word approximated is rarely used.

As we can see from the examples above, the choice between approximate and approximated can depend on the context in which they are used. It is important to understand the subtle differences between these two words to use them correctly and effectively in different contexts.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using approximate and approximated are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Here are a few instances where the rules may not apply:

1. Scientific Or Technical Writing

In scientific or technical writing, the rules for using approximate and approximated may differ from those in everyday language. For example, in mathematics, approximate is often used as an adjective to describe a number that is close to but not exactly equal to another number. In this context, approximated would not be used as a verb.

Similarly, in engineering or physics, approximate may be used as a verb to describe the process of estimating a value or measurement. In this case, approximated would be the correct form to use.

2. Regional Or Cultural Differences

Depending on where you are in the world, the rules for using approximate and approximated may vary. For example, in British English, approximate is often used as a verb, whereas in American English, approximated is more commonly used.

Similarly, in some cultures, there may be different connotations associated with using one form over the other. It’s important to be aware of these differences and adjust your language accordingly, especially if you are communicating with an international audience.

3. Creative Writing

In creative writing, the rules for using approximate and approximated may be more flexible. Depending on the style and tone of your writing, you may choose to use one form over the other for stylistic effect.

For example, if you are writing a poem or song lyrics, you may choose to use approximate as a verb to create a certain rhythm or cadence. Similarly, if you are writing a fictional narrative, you may use approximated to convey a sense of uncertainty or approximation.

Ultimately, the rules for using approximate and approximated are not set in stone and may vary depending on the context and audience. By keeping these exceptions in mind, you can use these words with greater precision and clarity in your writing.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the difference between approximate and approximated, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your usage of these terms:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either approximate or approximated:

  1. The scientist __________ the results of the experiment.
  2. The teacher gave an __________ time for the assignment to be completed.
  3. The athlete made an __________ guess about how long it would take to complete the race.
  4. The artist __________ the colors in the painting to match the original.

Answer Key:

  1. The scientist approximated the results of the experiment.
  2. The teacher gave an approximate time for the assignment to be completed.
  3. The athlete made an approximate guess about how long it would take to complete the race.
  4. The artist approximated the colors in the painting to match the original.

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct form of the word to complete the sentence:

  1. The __________ cost of the project was $10,000.
  • The data was __________ using a regression analysis.
  • The __________ time for delivery is three days.

    Answer Key:

    1. The approximate cost of the project was $10,000.
    2. The data was approximated using a regression analysis.
    3. The approximate time for delivery is three days.

    By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and usage of approximate and approximated in sentences.

    Conclusion

    After analyzing the differences between approximate and approximated, it is clear that these two terms have distinct meanings and are used in different contexts.

    Key Takeaways

    • Approximate is an adjective that means close to the actual value or amount, while approximated is a verb that means to estimate or calculate an approximate value or amount.
    • Approximate is used to describe something that is not exact, while approximated is used to describe the process of estimating or calculating an approximate value or amount.
    • Using the wrong term can lead to confusion and miscommunication, especially in technical or scientific writing.

    It is important to pay attention to the context in which these terms are used and choose the appropriate one to convey the intended meaning.

    Continue Learning

    Grammar and language use can be complex and nuanced, and it is always beneficial to continue learning and improving these skills.

    There are many resources available for those who want to improve their grammar and language use, such as online courses, books, and writing communities.

    By continuing to learn and improve, we can become better communicators and writers, and avoid common mistakes such as using approximate and approximated incorrectly.