proximate answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proximate answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an answer that is close to or nearly correct, often in contexts where precision is not critical. Example: "While we don't have the exact figures yet, the proximate answer to your question is that sales have increased by approximately 20% this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The proximate answer is because traders are selling.

The New Yorker

The proximate answer lies in the tactics the Bush administration used to push through tax cuts.

The New York Times

The proximate answer is to attract mates, but if females can't differentiate between males in a chorus, why should an individual bother?

The New York Times - Books

The proximate answer was politics: Medicare for all just wasn't going to happen, given both the power of the insurance industry and the reluctance of workers who currently have good insurance through their employers to trade that insurance for something new.

The New York Times

"The proximate answer may have to do with fairness," she says.

Science Magazine

The question then arises as to how it is doing this mechanistically, and the proximate answer is that it (and other anti-inflammatory agents, e.g. [ 1808, 2215, 2216]) seem to act via many of the same signalling pathways as do inflammatory agents [ 943, 2150, 2217- 2226].

BMC Medical Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Until then, only proximate answers will exist to the question of where dogs came from.

The New York Times - Science

The four major questions of behaviour classified by explanation type and illustrated by the behaviour of a dog wagging its tail type of explanation question answer proximate cause 1a.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Using "Nobelist Wiesel" and "Certain weasel" to produce two answers proximate to one another on the grid ("ELIE" and "STOAT"), for example, and interlocking "SITH" ("Foes of the Jedi) with "STINT" ("Is miserly").

The New Yorker

Although evolutionary explanations are the appropriate type of explanations to "Why?" questions (proximate explanations are answers to "How?" questions), teleological explanations are often given to "Why?" questions as well.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The most concrete, proximate, useful result?

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "proximate answer", ensure that the context implies that a more precise or definitive answer may exist or be possible, but is not currently available or necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "proximate answer" when an ultimate or complete explanation is required. "Proximate answer" implies an immediate or surface-level explanation, while an ultimate answer delves into deeper, underlying causes or mechanisms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proximate answer" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific type of explanation that focuses on immediate causes rather than underlying reasons. Ludwig provides numerous examples where the phrase is used to introduce an initial or surface-level explanation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "proximate answer" is a grammatically sound and useful term for denoting the most immediate or direct explanation to a question, as verified by Ludwig. It's commonly employed in news, scientific, and academic contexts where an initial, surface-level explanation is appropriate before delving into more complex causes. When using "proximate answer", remember that it addresses the 'how' rather than the 'why', and consider whether a more ultimate or comprehensive explanation is also needed. Alternatives like "immediate answer" or "closest answer" can provide similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance you want to express. Ludwig's examples offer further insight into the phrase's usage and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediate answer

Focuses on the speed and lack of delay in providing the answer.

closest answer

Highlights that the answer is the nearest or most nearly correct one.

approximate answer

Emphasizes the answer is not exact but close to the correct value.

nearby answer

Indicates the answer is in the general vicinity of the correct response.

preliminary answer

Suggests the answer is given as an initial response before a final or more complete answer is available.

tentative answer

Implies the answer is not definitive or certain but offered as a possibility.

possible answer

Indicates the answer is one potential solution among others.

plausible answer

Suggests the answer is believable or likely but not necessarily proven.

quick answer

Focuses on how fast the answer is delivered, but without any consideration about accuracy.

rough answer

Emphasizes the lack of precision, indicating the answer is a coarse estimation.

FAQs

What does "proximate answer" mean?

A "proximate answer" refers to the most immediate or direct explanation for a question or phenomenon. It addresses the 'how' rather than the 'why' and often precedes a more comprehensive or ultimate explanation.

When is it appropriate to use "proximate answer" in writing?

Use "proximate answer" when you want to provide an initial explanation that addresses the most obvious or immediate cause, with the understanding that further analysis or explanation may be necessary. For example, when explaining an event's direct trigger, a "direct answer" is suitable.

What are some alternatives to "proximate answer"?

Alternatives include "immediate answer", "closest answer", or "approximate answer". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How does "proximate answer" differ from "ultimate explanation"?

"Proximate answer" addresses the immediate cause or mechanism, while an "ultimate explanation" delves into the deeper reasons or evolutionary factors behind a phenomenon. The "immediate answer" explains 'how', while the ultimate explanation addresses 'why'.