determine roughly

[dɪˈtɜːrmɪn ˈrʌfli]
verb phrase
determinar aproximadamente
1. to establish or decide something in an approximate or imprecise manner; to make a rough calculation or assessment
We determined roughly how many people would attend the event based on previous years.
Determinamos aproximadamente quantas pessoas compareceriam ao evento com base nos anos anteriores.
2. to estimate or gauge something without precise measurements or exact data
The engineer determined roughly the cost of the project before conducting a detailed analysis.
O engenheiro determinou aproximadamente o custo do projeto antes de realizar uma análise detalhada.
This phrase is commonly used in professional, academic, and everyday contexts in both Brazil and the USA when precision is not immediately available or necessary. In Brazilian Portuguese, colloquial alternatives like 'achar mais ou menos' (to figure roughly) are frequently used in casual speech, while 'determinar aproximadamente' is preferred in formal documentation and professional settings.
NYC Slang
ballpark it
Synonyms / Sinônimos
estimate approximatelyassess roughlygaugeapproximateballpark
Antonyms / Antônimos
determine preciselycalculate exactlymeasure accurately

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
determinar aproximadamente
Standard usage in formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
achar mais ou menos
Colloquial alternative emphasizing informality
São Paulo
estimar grosseiramente
More technical or business-oriented usage
Portugal
determinar aproximadamente
Similar to Brazilian Portuguese, formal register

Related Words

approximateestimateassesscalculatedetermine

Related Idioms & Phrases

in the ballpark
rough estimate
get a feel for
back of the envelope calculation
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