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approximate [approximate 词源字典]: approximate: see proximity
[approximate etymology, approximate origin, 英语词源]
approximate (adj.): early 15c., from Latin approximatus, past participle of approximare "to come near to," from ad- "to" (see ad-) + proximare "come near," from proximus "nearest," superlative of prope "near" (see propinquity).
approximate (v.): early 15c., "to bring or put close," from approximate (adj.). Meaning "to come close" is from 1789. Related: Approximated; approximating.
approximately (adv.): 1742, from approximate (adj.) + -ly (2).
approximation (n.): early 15c., "act of coming near or close," noun of action from approximate (v.). Meaning "result of approximating" is from 1650s.