When it comes to expressing vague quantities, using the word “approximately” can sometimes feel a bit bland. But fear not, as we’ve got you covered with a list of sleek and trendy slang terms that can add a dash of flair to your approximate descriptions. From casual conversations to professional settings, these expressions will have you sounding effortlessly cool and in-the-know. So, buckle up and get ready to upgrade your linguistic game with our top picks for slang for approximately!
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1. About
This is a commonly used word to indicate a rough estimate or approximation. It implies that the actual value is close to the stated value, but not exact.
- For example, “There were about 50 people at the party.”
- In a conversation about time, someone might say, “I’ll be there at about 7 o’clock.”
- When discussing measurements, a person might say, “The box is about 2 feet tall.”
2. Around
Similar to “about,” this word is used to convey a rough estimate or approximation. It suggests that the actual value is close to the stated value, but not precise.
- For instance, “The temperature is around 70 degrees.”
- In a discussion about population, someone might say, “There are around 10 million people in the city.”
- When talking about time, a person might say, “I’ll be there around noon.”
3. Roughly
This word is synonymous with “about” and “around” when used to indicate an approximate value. It suggests that the stated value is not exact, but close enough for general understanding.
- For example, “The project will take roughly 3 months to complete.”
- In a conversation about distance, someone might say, “The store is roughly 2 miles away.”
- When discussing weight, a person might say, “The package weighs roughly 5 pounds.”
4. More or less
This phrase is used to convey a rough estimate or approximation. It implies that the actual value is close to the stated value, but may be slightly higher or lower.
- For instance, “The cost of the repair will be more or less $200.”
- In a discussion about quantity, someone might say, “There are more or less 20 people attending the event.”
- When talking about time, a person might say, “The meeting will last more or less an hour.”
5. Give or take
This phrase is used to indicate a rough estimate or approximation. It suggests that the actual value may be slightly higher or lower than the stated value.
- For example, “The car can go 300 miles on a full tank, give or take a few.”
- In a conversation about age, someone might say, “He’s in his forties, give or take a couple of years.”
- When discussing measurements, a person might say, “The desk is 5 feet long, give or take an inch.”
6. Almost
This term is used to indicate that something is very close to being true or accurate, but not quite there.
- For example, “I almost finished the puzzle, but I was missing one piece.”
- A person might say, “I almost made it to the top of the mountain, but I ran out of energy.”
- In a discussion about grades, a student might say, “I almost got an A on the test, I just missed a few questions.”
7. Close to
This phrase is used to describe something that is very near or similar to something else.
- For instance, “The temperature is close to freezing.”
- A person might say, “The color of this paint is close to the color I wanted.”
- In a conversation about distances, someone might say, “The destination is close to five miles away.”
8. Nearly
This word is used to indicate that something is almost at a certain point or almost completed.
- For example, “I nearly missed the bus, but I made it just in time.”
- A person might say, “I nearly finished the book, I just have a few pages left.”
- In a discussion about a game, someone might say, “I nearly won, but my opponent made a comeback.”
9. Roughly speaking
This phrase is used to provide an approximation or rough estimate of something.
- For instance, “Roughly speaking, the population of the city is around 1 million.”
- A person might say, “Roughly speaking, it will take about 30 minutes to get there.”
- In a conversation about measurements, someone might say, “Roughly speaking, the length of the table is 6 feet.”
10. In the ballpark
This phrase is used to indicate that something is close to the expected or desired range.
- For example, “The estimate is in the ballpark of $500.”
- A person might say, “The temperature is in the ballpark of 80 degrees.”
- In a discussion about prices, someone might say, “The cost is in the ballpark of $50.”
11. Just about
This phrase is used to indicate that something is very close to a particular value or state, but not exactly there.
- For example, “The temperature is just about freezing, so be careful on the roads.”
- A person might say, “I’ve just about finished my homework, I just need to proofread it.”
- In a conversation about a deadline, someone might say, “We’re just about to reach the cutoff time, so let’s wrap things up.”
12. Pretty much
This phrase is used to convey that something is very close or nearly identical to a particular value or state.
- For instance, “I pretty much finished cleaning the house, I just need to vacuum.”
- A person might say, “I pretty much have all the ingredients for the recipe, I just need to buy some spices.”
- In a discussion about a movie plot, someone might say, “The movie pretty much followed the book, with a few minor changes.”
13. Almost there
This phrase is used to indicate that something is very close to a particular destination, goal, or achievement, but not quite there yet.
- For example, “We’re almost there, just a few more minutes until we reach the summit.”
- A person might say, “I’m almost there with my project, I just need to add some finishing touches.”
- In a conversation about a race, someone might say, “I’m almost there, just one more lap to go.”
14. Nigh on
This phrase is used to express that something is very close or approaching a particular value or state.
- For instance, “The price of gas is nigh on $3 per gallon.”
- A person might say, “I’ve been waiting for the bus for nigh on 30 minutes.”
- In a discussion about a milestone, someone might say, “We’re nigh on reaching our sales target for the month.”
15. Pretty close
This phrase is used to convey that something is very close or approaching a particular value or state.
- For example, “The estimate was pretty close to the actual cost of the project.”
- A person might say, “I’m pretty close to finishing this puzzle, I just have a few pieces left.”
- In a conversation about a guess, someone might say, “Your answer was pretty close, but not quite right.”
16. Almost exactly
When something is described as “almost exactly,” it means that it is very close to being exactly the same or equal to something else.
- For example, “The temperature outside is almost exactly 75 degrees.”
- Someone might say, “I’ve been waiting for almost exactly 30 minutes.”
- In a conversation about measurements, a person might mention, “The length of the table is almost exactly 6 feet.”
17. Pretty near
When something is described as “pretty near,” it means that it is very close to being the same or similar to something else.
- For instance, “The store is pretty near to my house, just a few blocks away.”
- A person might say, “We’re pretty near the front of the line.”
- In a discussion about time, someone might mention, “It’s pretty near midnight, we should wrap up soon.”
18. Just under
When something is described as “just under,” it means that it is slightly less than a specific amount or value.
- For example, “The price is just under $10.”
- A person might say, “I finished the race in just under 30 minutes.”
- In a conversation about measurements, someone might mention, “The length of the rope is just under 5 feet.”
19. Just over
When something is described as “just over,” it means that it is slightly more than a specific amount or value.
- For instance, “The temperature is just over 80 degrees.”
- A person might say, “The project is just over budget.”
- In a discussion about measurements, someone might mention, “The weight of the package is just over 2 pounds.”
20. Pretty close to
When something is described as “pretty close to,” it means that it is very near or similar to something else.
- For example, “The color of the paint is pretty close to the sample.”
- A person might say, “The estimate is pretty close to the actual cost.”
- In a conversation about distance, someone might mention, “The hotel is pretty close to the beach.”
21. Just shy of
This phrase is used to indicate that something is very close to a particular amount or measurement, but falls just short of it. It implies that the difference is minimal.
- For example, “The car’s top speed is just shy of 200 miles per hour.”
- In a conversation about someone’s height, one might say, “He’s just shy of six feet tall.”
- A person discussing their age might say, “I’m just shy of turning 30 next month.”