approximately more or less than a number or amount – used especially in technical or scientific contexts:
The company had total revenues of approximately $2 million.
The disease affects approximately 10% of the adult population.about more or less than a number or amount. ‘About’ is the usual word to use in everyday English:
It costs about $30 to get a visa.
There were about 50 people at the meeting.roughly /ˈrʌfli/ about – used when you are trying to give someone a general idea of the size, amount, or number of something:
The two countries are roughly the same size.
Roughly how many miles do you travel a year?around about a number or time – used when you are guessing:
I’ll be there around 5 o'clock.
The BBC broadcasts around 2,000 radio dramas every year.somewhere/something in the region of formal about – used with very large numbers or amounts:
Last year he earned something in the region of $60 million.
It costs somewhere in the region of £100,000 to train a new doctor.or so informal about – used after a period of time, a number, or an amount:
The journey takes an hour or so.circa /ˈsɜːkə $ ˈsɜːr-/
formal about – used with dates a long time ago in the past:
The house was built circa 1530.or more used after a number or amount, when the total may be a lot more:
A thirty-second commercial can cost £60,000 or more.upwards of more than a number or amount:
The aircraft can carry upwards of 400 passengers. [TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲