Equivalent vs Approximate - What's the difference?

As adjectives the difference between equivalent and approximate

is that equivalent is similar or identical in value, meaning or effect; virtually equal while approximate is approaching; proximate; nearly resembling.

As verbs the difference between equivalent and approximate

is that equivalent is to make equivalent to; to equal while approximate is to carry or advance near; to cause to approach.

As a noun equivalent

is anything that is virtually equal to something else, or has the same value, force, etc.

equivalent

English

(wikipedia equivalent)

Alternative forms

* (archaic)

Adjective

(en adjective)

Similar or identical in value, meaning or effect; virtually equal.

* South

For now to serve and to minister, servile and ministerial, are terms equivalent .

* {{quote-magazine, date=2012-03

, author=(Henry Petroski) , title=Opening Doors , volume=100, issue=2, page=112-3 , magazine= citation , passage=A doorknob of whatever roundish shape is effectively a continuum of levers, with the axis of the latching mechanism—known as the spindle—being the fulcrum about which the turning takes place. Applying a force tangential to the knob is essentially equivalent to applying one perpendicular to a radial line defining the lever.}}

(mathematics) Of two sets, having a one-to-one correspondence; equinumerous.

* Comprehensive MCQ's in Mathematics , page 3:

Finite sets A and B are equivalent sets only when n''(A) = ''n''(B) ''i.e. , the number of elements in A and B are equal.

* 1950 , E. Kamke, Theory of Sets , page 16:

All enumerable sets are equivalent to each other, but not to any finite set.

* 2000 , N. L. Carothers, Real Analysis , page 18:

Equivalent' sets should, by rights, have the same "number" of elements. For this reason we sometimes say that '''equivalent sets have the same ''cardinality .

* 2006 , Joseph Breuer, Introduction to the Theory of Sets , page 41:

The equivalence theorem: If both M is equivalent''' to a subset N₁ of N and N is '''equivalent''' to a subset M₁ of M, then the sets M and N are '''equivalent to each other.

(mathematics) Relating to the corresponding elements of an equivalence relation.

(chemistry) Having the equal ability to combine.

(cartography) Of a map, equal-area.

(geometry) Equal in measure but not admitting of superposition; applied to magnitudes.

A square may be equivalent to a triangle.

Usage notes

* (en-usage-equal)

Derived terms

* (l)

Noun

(en noun)

Anything that is virtually equal to something else, or has the same value, force, etc.

* Macaulay

He owned that, if the Test Act were repealed, the Protestants were entitled to some equivalent .

(chemistry) An equivalent weight.

Verb

(en verb)

To make equivalent to; to equal.

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approximate

English

Adjective

(en adjective)

Approaching; proximate; nearly resembling.

Near correctness; nearly exact; not perfectly accurate.

Approximate results or values.

To help carry out its mission, NASA's Genesis spacecraft has on board an ion monitor to record the speed, density, temperature and approximate composition of the solar wind ions.

Antonyms

* exact, precise

Derived terms

() * approximately * approximation * approximative

Verb

(approximat)

To carry or advance near; to cause to approach.

To approximate the inequality of riches to the level of nature. --Burke.

To come near to; to approach.

The telescope approximates perfection. --J. Morse.

To estimate.

Quotations

When you follow two separate chains of thought, Watson, you will find some point of intersection which should approximate to the truth.
— Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax