How to pronounce approximation
Say it like uh-prahk-suh-MAY-shun. Approximation has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (MAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce approximation. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- prahk
- suh
- MAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Approximation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- prahkGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- MAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of approximation
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 4, while British speakers stress syllable 2.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: uh-PROK-sih-may-shun.
What does approximation mean?
- The act, process or result of approximating, as
- An imprecise solution or result that is adequate for a defined purpose.
- The act of bringing together the edges of tissue to be sutured.
Where does approximation come from?
From approximate + -ion.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with approximation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of approximation.
Questions about saying approximation
How do you pronounce approximation?
Say uh-prahk-suh-MAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /əˌprɑksəˈmeɪʃən/. In British English it is /əˈprɒksɪˌmeɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in approximation?
Approximation has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (MAY). Broken into parts: uh · prahk · suh · MAY · shun.
Is approximation pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 4, while British speakers stress syllable 2. The British form is /əˈprɒksɪˌmeɪʃən/ (uh-PROK-sih-may-shun).