1. Not quite exact or correct
   "the approximate time was 10 o'clock";
   - approximative, rough
    
2. Very close in resemblance
   "sketched in an approximate likeness";
   - near
    
3. Located close together
   "approximate leaves grow together but are not united";
   - close together

1. Form an estimate of (quantities or time)
   "The contractor approximated the cost of repairs";
   - estimate, gauge, judge
    
2. Be close or similar
   "Her results approximate my own";
   - come close

Derived forms: approximated, approximates, approximating

See also: close, inexact

Type of: calculate, cipher, compute, cypher, figure [N. Amer], reckon, resemble, work out

Encyclopedia: Approximate