Plus or minus

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prepositional phrase

More or less than a number or amount.

The material should measure 10 meters, plus or minus a few centimeters.
Visual representation of "plus or minus" - More or less than a number or amount

Often appears as...

  • plus or minus a few
  • plus or minus some minutes
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "plus or minus"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Estimation Clue

Indicates rough measurement or estimate, not an exact number.

Illustration for Estimation Clue
The room was 15 square meters, plus or minus.
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Flexibility Allowed

Shows that there's some leeway or tolerance in the given value.

Illustration for Flexibility Allowed
Please be there at 8 PM, plus or minus 10 minutes.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Conversational Use

Used informally to express a small variation might occur.

Illustration for Conversational Use
I'll need plus or minus five volunteers for this task.
Visual representation of the word "Plus or minus"

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