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REFERENCE

approach

v. · n.
US //əˈpɹoʊtʃ// UK //ɐpɹˈəʊtʃ// ap·proach
  1. 1 to move closer (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to come near or nearer to something or someone in space or time.

    to draw nearer in physical proximity or temporal distance.

    Example

    The cat began to approach the bird very slowly so it wouldn't fly away.

    Example

    As the deadline for the project approached, the team increased their efforts to ensure every detail was finalised before the presentation.
  2. 2 to speak to someone (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to speak to someone about something for the first time, often to ask for help or make a suggestion.

    to make a proposal or request to someone; to initiate communication with a specific intent.

    Example

    I'm going to approach my boss about a pay rise next week.

    Example

    The charity approached several local businesses to secure sponsorship for the upcoming community festival.
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  1. 3 to deal with a problem (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    to start dealing with a problem or task in a particular way.

    to begin to deal with or consider a matter, task, or problem using a specific methodology.

    Example

    We need to approach this problem from a different angle to find a solution.

    Example

    The researchers approached the data analysis with a focus on long-term trends rather than isolated incidents.
  2. 4 a method (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Academic

    a way of doing something or thinking about a problem.

    a particular way of considering or dealing with something; a methodology.

    Example

    The school uses a modern approach to teaching languages.

    Example

    The government's new approach to urban planning emphasises green spaces and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
  3. 5 a physical path (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a path, road, or way that leads to a place.

    a route or passage providing access to a specific location or building.

    Example

    The approach to the castle was a long, winding road through the forest.

    Example

    Security was tightened on all approaches to the stadium ahead of the international match.
  4. 6 aircraft landing (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    the final part of a flight when an aircraft is coming in to land.

    the flight path and procedure followed by an aircraft immediately before landing.

    Example

    The pilot had to abort the approach because of heavy fog on the runway.

    Example

    The air traffic controller cleared the flight for a standard instrument approach despite the turbulent weather conditions.

    Usage

    Often used with the verb 'make' or 'clear for'.
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.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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