左...右... can indicate rough approximation around a quantity/time (about around...), or left-right paired orientation in some contexts.
Approximation frame - around roughly X amount/time
Flexible colloquial estimate tool - non-exact numeric communication
Also supports literal directional pairing in fixed expressions
See examples below for varied real-world usage.
Approximate reading is context-dependent
- Not always literal left/right.
Best with quantities/time spans
- Estimate function is most common in these contexts.
Avoid using when exact number is required
- It signals loosened precision.
He is about around twenty years old.
The meeting lasted about an hour.
The price is around one hundred dollars.
He waited for around ten-plus minutes.
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