Various shortened forms represent the concept of ‘close to’ or ‘in the region of’ a particular value. These include “approx.”, “appx.”, “ca.”, and the tilde symbol (~). For example, instead of writing “The cost is approximately $100,” one could write “The cost is approx. $100.”
Using a shorter representation of this concept improves efficiency in writing, particularly in technical reports, scientific papers, or when space is limited, such as in tables or figures. Historically, the need for brevity in handwritten and typeset documents spurred the adoption of these shorter forms. Their continued use is a testament to their utility in conveying information concisely.
