different between approximation vs approximative

English

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -e???n
• (UK) IPA^(key): /??p??ks??me??n/
• (US) IPA^(key): /??p??ks??me??n/

Noun

approximation (countable and uncountable, plural approximations)

1. The act, process or result of approximating.
2. (mathematics) An imprecise solution or result that is adequate for a defined purpose.
3. (medicine) The act of bringing together the edges of tissue to be sutured.

Derived terms

• approximation problem
• approximation property
• approximation theory

Translations

See also

• interpolation

French

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /a.p??k.si.ma.sj??/

Noun

approximation f (plural approximations)

1. approximation; an imprecise solution.

Further reading

• “approximation” in Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).

English

Etymology

approximate +? -ive

Adjective

approximative (comparative more approximative, superlative most approximative)

1. Of, relating to, or being an estimate or approximation.

Translations

Noun

approximative (plural approximatives)

1. (grammar) A grammatical construct that expresses approximation.
   • 2007, J. Cutting, Vague Language Explored (page 190)

     In Example 6, we can see speakers using the vague approximatives 'two or three' and 'one or two'.

French

Adjective

approximative

1. feminine singular of approximatif

German

Pronunciation

Adjective

approximative

1. inflection of approximativ:
   1. strong/mixed nominative/accusative feminine singular
   2. strong nominative/accusative plural
   3. weak nominative all-gender singular
   4. weak accusative feminine/neuter singular