What does the term "approximating" refer to in communication?

The term "approximating" in communication refers to taking a piece of the communication as a sample. This concept involves focusing on a specific part of the message or information that is being communicated, rather than attempting to capture or understand everything that is being conveyed. Approximating allows individuals to simplify complex information and make it more digestible, which can facilitate understanding and reaction to the underlying message.

In various contexts, making approximations can be particularly useful in preliminary discussions or when dealing with large sets of data, where the goal is to derive key insights or general patterns without getting bogged down in every detail. It helps communicators and receivers to streamline the information exchange process by centering on the most relevant aspects that meet their immediate needs.