approach
- 01 B1 Intermediate
v.to come near or nearer to something or someone in space or time.
v.to draw nearer in physical proximity or temporal distance.
Simple“The cat began to approach the bird very slowly so it wouldn't fly away.”
In context“As the deadline for the project approached, the team increased their efforts to ensure every detail was finalised before the presentation.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to speak to someone about something for the first time, often to ask for help or make a suggestion.
v.to make a proposal or request to someone; to initiate communication with a specific intent.
Simple“I'm going to approach my boss about a pay rise next week.”
In context“The charity approached several local businesses to secure sponsorship for the upcoming community festival.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to start dealing with a problem or task in a particular way.
v.to begin to deal with or consider a matter, task, or problem using a specific methodology.
Simple“We need to approach this problem from a different angle to find a solution.”
In context“The researchers approached the data analysis with a focus on long-term trends rather than isolated incidents.”
- 04 B1 Intermediate
n.a way of doing something or thinking about a problem.
n.a particular way of considering or dealing with something; a methodology.
Simple“The school uses a modern approach to teaching languages.”
In context“The government's new approach to urban planning emphasises green spaces and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a path, road, or way that leads to a place.
n.a route or passage providing access to a specific location or building.
Simple“The approach to the castle was a long, winding road through the forest.”
In context“Security was tightened on all approaches to the stadium ahead of the international match.”
- 06 C1 Advanced
n.the final part of a flight when an aircraft is coming in to land.
n.the flight path and procedure followed by an aircraft immediately before landing.
Simple“The pilot had to abort the approach because of heavy fog on the runway.”
In context“The air traffic controller cleared the flight for a standard instrument approach despite the turbulent weather conditions.”
UsageOften used with the verb 'make' or 'clear for'.
Usage approach to external · adopt approach · advocate approach
“When two agents were approached by a man who “asked if they were ICE”, the agent responded, falsely, that they were not.”
“The BBC has approached Department of Health NI for comment.”
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”)).
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.