You can use nearly and approximately to describe measurements, but nearly usually means it is less, whereas approximately means a little less or a little more. The snake was nearly six feet long. <-- almost six feet, but still less The snake was approximately six feet long <-- about six feet, maybe a little shorter, maybe a little longer. He is nearly 50. <-- not quite 50 yet The universe is approximately 13.5 billion years old. <-- give or take a few years ;) When used in other ways... I nearly hit that tree. <-- correct I approximately hit that tree. <-- incorrect Approximately is used mostly for measurements Nearly is used for measurements and to describe other events.

You can use nearly and approximately to describe measurements, but nearly usually means it is less, whereas approximately means a little less or a little more. The snake was nearly six feet long. <-- almost six feet, but still less The snake was approximately six feet long <-- about six feet, maybe a little shorter, maybe a little longer. He is nearly 50. <-- not quite 50 yet The universe is approximately 13.5 billion years old. <-- give or take a few years ;) When used in other ways... I nearly hit that tree. <-- correct I approximately hit that tree. <-- incorrect Approximately is used mostly for measurements Nearly is used for measurements and to describe other events.

Nearly means almost but not enough. Approximately can mean that it is enough