Approximately vs. Definitely — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Approximately and Definitely
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Definitions
Approximately
Used to show that something is almost, but not completely, accurate or exact; roughly
A journey of approximately two hours
Definitely
Clearly defined; explicitly precise
A definite statement of the terms of the will.
Approximately
Almost exact or correct
The approximate time of the accident.
Definitely
Forthright and unambiguous
The doctor was very definite about what foods you should avoid.
Approximately
Very similar; closely resembling
Sketched an approximate likeness of the suspect.
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Definitely
Clearly developed or firmly decided
No definite idea of what to do for a career.
Approximately
(Botany) Close together but not united.
Definitely
Readily distinguished or certain
At a definite disadvantage.
Approximately
To come close to; be nearly the same as
This meat substitute approximates the real thing.
Definitely
(Grammar) Limiting or particularizing.
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Approximately
To bring near.
Definitely
Of a fixed number usually less than 20, as certain floral organs, especially stamens.
Approximately
To bring together, as cut edges of tissue.
Definitely
Cymose; determinate.
Approximately
To come near or close, as in degree, nature, or quality.
Definitely
Without question and beyond doubt.
Joe definitely doesn't know how to drive a tractor.
She said she wasn't coming, definitely.
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.
Definitely
In a definite manner; decisively.
Approximately
With approximation; so as to approximate; nearly.
Definitely
In a definite manner; with precision; precisely; determinately.
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
Definitely
Without question and beyond doubt;
It was decidedly too expensive
She told him off in spades
By all odds they should win
