An adverb used to indicate an approximate amount or time: 'about', 'roughly', or 'approximately'.
会議はおよそ2時間続いた。
The meeting lasted about two hours.
ここから東京までの距離はおよそ100キロです。
The distance from here to Tokyo is approximately 100 km.
参加者はおよそ300人と見込まれている。
About 300 people are expected to participate.
An adverb meaning 'generally' or 'on the whole', indicating a broad generalization.
およそ若者は新しい技術に敏感だ。
Generally, young people are sensitive to new technologies.
およそ日本の都市部では自転車より電車がよく使われる。
Generally in Japanese cities, trains are used more than bicycles.
Sometimes used emphatically to mean 'completely' or 'entirely'; with a negative verb it can mean 'not at all'.
その説明はおよそ理解できない。
That explanation is practically incomprehensible.
彼の行為はおよそ信じられないほど非常識だった。
His behavior was utterly unreasonable to the point of being unbelievable.
Used as a noun meaning 'outline' or 'gist', referring to the main points or summary.
計画のおよそをまず説明してもらえますか。
Could you first explain the outline of the plan?
報告の冒頭でおよそを述べた。
I stated the gist at the beginning of the report.