the meaning of the wavy sign ~

[Ju1ian]

“The cost would be ~$200.”

My understanding is that, in America, the wavy sign “~” in the above sentence means “approximately $200”. Is this understanding correct? That is my first question. My second question is, if it is so in America, is it universal among English-speaking countries?
(A Japanese lady interpreted it as meaning “up to $200” so I know the meaning is at least not completely universal in the entire world.)

 

[2006]

“The cost would be ~$200.”
My understanding is that, in America, the wavy sign “~” in the above sentence means “approximately $200”. Is this understanding correct? I believe so, but wait for an American to confirm. That is my first question. My second question is, if it is so in America, is it universal among English-speaking countries? It is in Canada.
(A Japanese lady interpreted it as meaning “up to $200” so I know the meaning is at least not completely universal in the entire world.)

in canada...
< $200 means less than or equal to 200 dollars; not more than 200 dollars
> $200 means equal to or more than 200 dollars; not less than 200 dollars

2006

 

[Tdol]

It is used, but I don't know think that it's something everyone would recognise in the UK.

 

[SoothingDave]

Yes, as an American, I would use ~$200 to mean, "approximately $200."

But I don't know if the common man would know what it means. I am in a technical field.

 

[5jj]

It is used, but I don't know think that it's something everyone would recognise in the UK.

I certainly wouldn't.
I don't think I have ever seen it used this way.

 

[Raymott]

“The cost would be ~$200.”

My understanding is that, in America, the wavy sign “~” in the above sentence means “approximately $200”. Is this understanding correct? That is my first question. My second question is, if it is so in America, is it universal among English-speaking countries?
(A Japanese lady interpreted it as meaning “up to $200” so I know the meaning is at least not completely universal in the entire world.)

In mathematics, ≈ means "approximately equal to".
But the ASCII fonts only allow ~.
In medicine, it means 'about', as in: P irreg. ~72 = Pule rate is irregular and about 72 beat / minute.
I always assumed it was a commonly used notation, but apparently not.

 

[Barb_D]

I thought it was common too.

~$200 could be anything from about $185 to $215–200, I'd say.

 

[birdeen's call]

"~" for "approximately", "more or less" is used even when "≈" is available (as in handwriting). "≈" is a relation of between two things and means "approximately equals". "~" means just "approximately". That's at least the usage I encountered.

 

[Tdol]

I don't think it's common in the UK- it's certainly not a standard thing that everyone knows.

 

[cloud15]

I use that symbol as an emoticon @_@