Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| environ | /ɑ̃.vi.ʁɔ̃/ | |
| plus ou moins | /ply.z‿u mwɛ̃/ | |
| à peu près | /a pø pʁɛ/ | |
| approximativement | /a.pʁɔk.si.ma.tiv.mɑ̃/ | |
| à la louche | /a la luʃ/ | colloquial |
These terms are used to express that a quantity or amount is imprecise but close to the actual value.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase plus ou moins literally translates to 'more or less'. The colloquial expression à la louche literally means 'with a ladle'.
Which one should you use?
environ is typically used before a number or a quantity. In contrast, à peu près is more versatile and can be used in many different contexts. The term plus ou moins is a synonym for approximately that translates to 'more or less'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
approximativement is a direct cognate of the English word 'approximately' and is used in formal or technical contexts. Similarly, environ is a straightforward and common word for approximately in formal French. In informal contexts, à peu près is commonly used. For a colloquial way to say 'about that' or 'more or less', you can use à peu près ça. Finally, à la louche is a colloquial way to say 'roughly' or 'by a guess'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɑ̃.vi.ʁɔ̃/
Did you know?
- While environ means approximately, it also serves as the root for the English word 'environs' meaning the surrounding area.
- The word près comes from the Latin word for 'pressed', suggesting that being approximately close is like being squeezed against something.
- The French word environ is derived from the Old French word environner, meaning to surround or encircle.
Examples in context
- On a à peu près le même âge.We're approximately the same age.This sentence is useful for describing someone's age using à peu près.Tatoeba #10888484 by gillux, translation #5132184 by CK
- Tom fait environ le même poids que Mary.Tom is approximately the same weight as Mary.This sentence is useful for describing weight using environ.Tatoeba #6577957 by GB3, translation #6527400 by CK
- Nous sommes à peu près de la même taille.We're approximately the same height.This sentence is useful for describing height using à peu près.Tatoeba #4650194 by sacredceltic, translation #5131977 by CK
- Il y a à peu près 50 personnes dans la salleThere are approximately 50 people in the room.
- Le temps de cuisson est approximativement de 20 minutesThe cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.
- Le film dure à peu près deux heuresThe movie lasts approximately two hours.
- On se retrouve vers 20 heuresLet's meet around 8 p.m.
- J'ai dépensé à peu près ça pour le nouveau téléphoneI spent approximately that much on the new phone.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are discussing when to meet for dinner.
- NathanÀ quelle heure arrives-tu ?What time are you arriving?
- LéaJe serai là vers environ dix-huit heures.I will be there around 6 p.m.
- NathanC'est parfait pour moi, Léa.That is perfect for me, Léa.
- LéaÀ tout à l'heure, Nathan !See you soon, Nathan!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “approximately” translations and entries environ, plus ou moins, à peu près, approximativement, à la louche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries approximativement, moins, ou, peu, plus, près, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
