In everyday conversation and technical contexts, we often need to express quantities or values that are not exact. The English word “approximately” serves this purpose, conveying the idea of “around,” “about,” or “close to.” In Bengali, we have equally nuanced ways to convey approximation and estimation. Let’s explore the various Bengali meanings and uses of “approximately.”
Approximately Meaning in Bengali
The most common translation for “approximately” in Bengali is “প্রায়” (prae). This word signifies “almost,” “nearly,” or “roughly.” However, there are several other Bengali words and phrases that capture different nuances of approximation:
- আনুমানিক (anumanik): Estimated, approximate.
- মোটামুটি (motamoti): Roughly, approximately.
- কাছাকাছি (kachhakachi): Close to, near about.
- এরকম (erokom): About, around this amount.
Approximately অর্থ কী?
“Approximately” শব্দটির বাংলায় প্রধান অনুবাদ হল “প্রায়” (prae)। এর অর্থ প্রায়, আনুমানিক, কাছাকাছি বা মোটামুটি। “Approximately” শব্দটি যখন কোনো পরিমাণ বা সংখ্যা সম্পর্কে ব্যবহার করা হয়, তখন এটি বোঝায় যে, মানটি যথাযথ নয়, বরং প্রায় সঠিক বা আনুমানিক।
Examples
Let’s see how these words are used in context:
- আমাদের বাড়ি থেকে স্কুল প্রায় দুই কিলোমিটার দূরে। (Our house is approximately two kilometers away from the school.)
- এই বইটির দাম আনুমানিক পাঁচশ টাকা। (This book costs approximately five hundred taka.)
- আজকের অনুষ্ঠানে মোটামুটি এক হাজার লোক উপস্থিত ছিল। (Approximately one thousand people were present at today’s event.)
- আমি এরকম সময়ে অফিস থেকে বের হই। (I leave the office around this time.)
Synonyms
Other Bengali words similar to “approximately” include:
- পরিমাণমতো (porimanmoto)
- মতো (moto)
- আন্দাজ (andaz)
Antonyms
Words opposite in meaning to “approximately” include:
- যথাযথ (jothajottho)
- সঠিক (shothik)
- নির্ভুল (nirbhul)
Phrases and Idioms
Bengali has some idiomatic expressions related to approximation:
- এর ওর (er or) – Give or take
- কমবেশি (kom beshi) – More or less
Uses
“Approximately” and its Bengali equivalents are widely used:
- Everyday Conversations: To express inexact quantities or times.
- Technical Fields: To convey estimates in science, engineering, etc.
- Financial Reports: To present approximate figures.
Conclusion
Having a grasp of the different ways to express approximation in Bengali enables effective communication in various situations. Whether you’re giving directions, estimating costs, or simply sharing observations, using these words and phrases accurately allows for clearer and more nuanced expression in this beautiful language.