'approximately' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'approximatus,' where 'ad-' meant 'to' and 'proximus' meant 'nearest.' 'Measured' comes from Latin 'mensurare,' meaning 'to measure.'

'approximatus' transformed into the Old French word 'aproximé,' and eventually became the modern English word 'approximately.' 'Mensurare' evolved into the Old French 'mesurer,' leading to the modern English 'measure.'

Initially, 'approximately' meant 'nearly or close to,' and 'measured' meant 'to ascertain the size or amount.' These meanings have largely remained the same in modern usage.