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approach

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //əˈpɹoʊtʃ// UK //ɐpɹˈəʊtʃ// ap·proach Academic Archaic General-service Humorous

n. a way of doing something or dealing with a problem. You might try a new approach if your old method isn't working anymore.

n. a method, strategy, or perspective used to deal with a situation or problem. The term also designates the physical act of drawing nearer to a person, place, or event in space or time.


SIMPLE

We need to try a different approach to fix this broken computer.

CONTEXTUAL

The school adopted a new teaching approach that focuses on group projects rather than traditional written exams.

COMPLEX

The committee's cautious approach to the merger frustrated investors who were hoping for a swift, aggressive expansion into the European market.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English aprochen, borrowed from Old French aprochier (modern French approcher), from Late Latin appropiāre, a verb based on Latin prope (“near”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European pro- (a variant of per- (“before, in front; first”)) + *-kʷe (“suffix forming distributives from interrogatives”)).

Etymology 2

From Middle English approche (“approach, arrival”), from approchen, aprochen (“to come or go near, approach; to adjoin, be close by; to enter (someone’s) presence; to be or become involved; to reach (a certain state); to arrive; to befall, happen to; to become similar to, resemble; to be a match for (someone)”); see etymology 1.

Usage

Typically followed by the preposition 'to' when specifying the problem or subject being addressed.

Idioms1 entry

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