Approximately vs. Roughly — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 28, 2024
"Approximately" conveys a sense of near accuracy or estimation, suggesting a more formal or scientific context, while "roughly" implies a less precise, more general estimate, often used in casual or everyday language.
Difference Between Approximately and Roughly
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Key Differences
Approximately is often used in contexts where the estimation needs to convey a sense of being close to a specific number or quantity, where precision is important but exactness is unattainable. It suggests a calculated guess, often based on some form of measurement or assessment. On the other hand, roughly is used more liberally to indicate an estimate that does not require close accuracy. It's more about giving a general idea than about being near to a specific figure.
When discussing numbers, "approximately" might be chosen to suggest that the speaker has a basis for their estimation, even if the exact number is unknown. This term is preferred in scientific, technical, and formal writings, where the credibility of the data is crucial. Conversely, "roughly" is often employed in everyday language or in situations where the precision of the estimate is less critical. It is more informal and indicates a broader approximation.
In reports, academic papers, or any documentation requiring a degree of precision, "approximately" lends an air of meticulousness to the estimation. It's as if the speaker is acknowledging the effort to be as accurate as possible within certain limitations. Meanwhile, "roughly" suits discussions where the focus is on the bigger picture rather than on the specifics. It is less about the accuracy of the figure and more about conveying a general sense of scale or magnitude.
The choice between these terms can also reflect the speaker's attitude towards the information being presented. Using "approximately" can imply a cautious approach to estimations, showing respect for the nuances of accuracy and the implications of the data. In contrast, "roughly" can signify a more relaxed stance, possibly indicating that the exact numbers are not crucial for the understanding or outcome of a situation.
While both terms are useful for indicating estimates, the context in which they are used can significantly affect the perceived reliability of the information. "Approximately" is more likely to inspire confidence in the audience about the rigor of the estimation process, whereas "roughly" might suggest a more laid-back approach to quantification.
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Comparison Chart
Formality
More formal, used in scientific or technical texts
Less formal, commonly used in everyday language
Precision
Suggests a closer estimate to an exact figure
Implies a broader, more generalized estimation
Context of Use
Preferred in academic, financial, and technical contexts
Often used in casual conversation or for larger, less precise estimations
Implication of Accuracy
Implies a degree of careful calculation or consideration
Suggests a looser, more flexible approach to estimating
Connotation
Carries a connotation of carefulness and precision
Has a connotation of generality and flexibility
Compare with Definitions
Approximately
Indicating an estimation that aims to be as close to the actual figure as possible.
We expect to finish the work in approximately two weeks.
Roughly
Approximately but not exactly; more or less.
Roughly half of the students have submitted their assignments.
Approximately
Close to a particular number or time although not exactly that number or time.
The museum is approximately a mile from the city center.
Roughly
Indicating a general estimation without concern for exactness.
We have roughly 20 minutes to complete the test.
Approximately
Used to show that something is almost, but not completely, accurate or exact.
The population of our town is approximately 10,000 people.
Roughly
Used to indicate that an estimate is not precise.
The building was roughly constructed in the 1920s.
Approximately
Nearly correct or exact: not completely accurate or exact.
The project is approximately 90% complete.
Roughly
About or around a certain number, amount, or time but without being precise.
Roughly speaking, the cost will be around $300.
Approximately
About or around a figure or time; almost the same as.
The repair costs were approximately $200.
Roughly
Signifying an approach to estimation that prioritizes generality over precision.
There are roughly a dozen cookies left in the jar.
Approximately
Used to show that something is almost, but not completely, accurate or exact; roughly
A journey of approximately two hours
Roughly
Having a surface marked by irregularities, protuberances, or ridges; not smooth
Planed the board so it was no longer rough.
Approximately
Almost exact or correct
The approximate time of the accident.
Roughly
Coarse or shaggy to the touch
A rough scratchy blanket.
Approximately
Very similar; closely resembling
Sketched an approximate likeness of the suspect.
Roughly
Difficult to travel over or through
The rough terrain of the highlands.
Approximately
(Botany) Close together but not united.
Roughly
Characterized by violent motion; turbulent
Rough waters.
Approximately
To come close to; be nearly the same as
This meat substitute approximates the real thing.
Roughly
Difficult to endure or live through, especially because of harsh or inclement weather
A rough winter.
Approximately
To bring near.
Roughly
Unpleasant or difficult
Had a rough time during the exam.
Approximately
To bring together, as cut edges of tissue.
Roughly
Characterized by or done with violence or forcefulness
A sport noted for rough play.
A package that received rough handling.
Approximately
To come near or close, as in degree, nature, or quality.
Roughly
Boisterous, disorderly, or given to violence
Ran with a rough crowd.
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.
Roughly
Characterized by violence or crime
Lives in a rough neighborhood.
Approximately
With approximation; so as to approximate; nearly.
Roughly
Lacking polish or finesse
Rough manners.
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
Roughly
Harsh to the ear
A rough raspy sound.
Roughly
Being in a natural state
Rough diamonds.
Roughly
Not perfected, completed, or fully detailed
A rough drawing.
Rough carpentry.
Roughly
The surface or part of something that is uneven or coarse
Felt the rough of his chin.
Roughly
Rugged overgrown terrain.
Roughly
(Sports) The area of a golf hole in which the grass is left unmowed or is cut to a length longer than that of the fairway.
Roughly
A disorderly, unrefined, or unfinished state.
Roughly
A difficult or disagreeable aspect or condition of something
Observed politics in the rough when working as an intern on Capitol Hill.
Roughly
A person given to violent or disorderly behavior; a rowdy.
Roughly
To treat roughly or with physical violence
Roughed up his opponent.
Roughly
(Sports) To treat (an opposing player) with unnecessary roughness, often in violation of the rules
Was ejected from the game for roughing the passer.
Roughly
To prepare or indicate in an unfinished form
Rough out a house plan.
Roughly
In a rough manner; roughly
The engine began to run rough and faltered.
Roughly
In a rough manner; without kindness, softness, or gentleness.
Roughly
Unevenly or irregularly.
Roughly
Without precision or exactness; imprecisely but close to in quantity or amount; approximately.
Roughly
In a rough manner; unevenly; harshly; rudely; severely; austerely.
Roughly
(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
Roughly
With roughness or violence (`rough' is an informal variant for `roughly');
He was pushed roughly aside
They treated him rough
Roughly
With rough motion as over a rough surface;
Ride rough
Common Curiosities
Should I use "approximately" in formal reports?
Yes, "approximately" is preferred in formal reports and documents where precision is valued, though the context and audience's expectations should guide the choice.
Is it incorrect to use "roughly" in formal writing?
Not necessarily incorrect, but "approximately" is often preferred in formal writing for its connotation of greater precision and care in estimation.
Can "roughly" imply a very wide range of estimates?
Yes, "roughly" can imply a broader range of estimates compared to "approximately," indicating a less precise approximation.
Is "approximately" only used in scientific contexts?
While commonly used in scientific and technical contexts, "approximately" can also be used in everyday language for near-accurate estimates.
How does the choice between "approximately" and "roughly" affect the audience's perception?
"Approximately" may convey more reliability and carefulness in estimation, while "roughly" suggests a more general and possibly less rigorous approach.
Can the use of "approximately" make an estimate seem more credible?
Yes, using "approximately" can suggest that the estimate is based on some form of calculation or measurement, potentially increasing its credibility.
Does "approximately" suggest that an effort has been made to quantify something accurately?
Yes, it suggests that there has been an attempt to be as accurate as possible, given the limitations of the estimation process.
Are there contexts where neither "approximately" nor "roughly" should be used?
In contexts requiring exact numbers or measurements, neither term should be used, as they both imply a level of estimation.
Can "approximately" and "roughly" be used interchangeably?
Yes, they can be used interchangeably in many contexts, though "approximately" is more formal and precise.
How should one decide which term to use in a given context?
Consider the level of precision required, the formality of the context, and the potential impact on the audience's perception of the information.
Is there a situation where "roughly" is more appropriate than "approximately"?
Yes, in casual conversation or when discussing very large or general estimates where exact numbers are not critical, "roughly" might be more appropriate.
Is it better to avoid these terms in precise scientific research?
In precise scientific research, it's often better to provide exact figures when possible, using these terms only when necessary for approximations.
How do "approximately" and "roughly" differ in their connotation of accuracy?
"Approximately" connotes a closer adherence to accuracy, while "roughly" suggests a more lenient approach to precision.
Can the preference for one term over the other be cultural?
Yes, the preference might vary depending on regional dialects, professional jargon, or the formality of the context.
How do these terms affect the tone of a sentence?
"Approximately" can give a sentence a more formal or scientific tone, while "roughly" can make it sound more casual or approximate.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
