approach
approach Lexical Profile
approach Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A particular way, method, or perspective used to deal with a situation, problem, or task.
"The research team adopted an interdisciplinary approach to studying climate change."
The act of coming nearer to someone or something in distance or time.
"The birds grew quiet at the approach of the autumn storm."
A road, path, or passage that leads to a place, or the final flight path of an aircraft before landing.
"The main approach to the mountain lodge was blocked by heavy snowfall."
An initial proposal, request, or attempt to start a discussion or relationship with someone.
"The company rejected an informal approach from a rival firm seeking a merger."
• verb
To come near or nearer to someone or something in distance or time.
"As the train approached the station, commuters gathered along the platform."
To begin to deal with a situation, problem, or task in a particular way.
"One must approach complex historical questions with an open mind."
To speak to someone for the first time about a proposal, request, or offer.
"The publisher approached several historians about contributing to the new encyclopedia."
To come close to a specific level, quantity, or quality.
"Summer temperatures in the desert valley often approach forty-five degrees Celsius."
Word Nuance & Usage
When used as a transitive verb meaning to come near to someone or something, 'approach' takes a direct object without the preposition 'to' (e.g., 'approach the building', not 'approach to the building'). However, as a noun, it is regularly followed by 'to' when referring to a method or attitude (e.g., 'a new approach to the problem').
• Rhymes for approach
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in Middle English from Old French aprochier, which derives from Late Latin appropiare ('to come near'), formed from the Latin prefix ad- ('to, toward') and propius, the comparative of prope ('near').