approximate hastily

[/əˈprɒksɪmeɪt ˈheɪstɪli/]
verb phrase
aproximar-se apressadamente; estimar precipitadamente
1. to approach or come near to something in a rushed or hurried manner
The hikers began to approximate hastily toward the shelter as the storm approached.
Os caminhantes começaram a se aproximar apressadamente do abrigo conforme a tempestade se aproximava.
2. to estimate or calculate something roughly and quickly without careful consideration
He decided to approximate hastily the total cost rather than wait for detailed calculations.
Ele decidiu estimar precipitadamente o custo total em vez de esperar pelos cálculos detalhados.
This phrase is more commonly used in technical, mathematical, or business contexts in both American English and Brazilian Portuguese. In casual speech, it's often broken into separate uses: 'approximate' for calculations and 'hastily' as a standalone adverb. The phrase reflects a pragmatic approach to problem-solving when precision is less critical than speed.
NYC Slang
ballpark it quick; rush up to something
Synonyms / Sinônimos
approach hurriedlyestimate roughlyrush towardguess quicklymove hastily near
Antonyms / Antônimos
calculate preciselyapproach carefullymeasure accuratelyestimate cautiouslyproceed slowly

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
aproximar-se apressadamente; estimar precipitadamente
standard usage in most Brazilian contexts
Rio de Janeiro
chegar apressado; chutar um número
colloquial usage, 'chutar' means to guess roughly
São Paulo
aproximar-se com pressa; fazer uma estimativa rápida
more formal business context
Portugal
aproximar-se apressadamente; estimar à pressa
European Portuguese variant with slightly different phrasing

Related Words

approximatehastilyestimateapproachrushroughly

Related Idioms & Phrases

make a rough guess
get in the ballpark
throw a number out there
eyeball it
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