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approaches

v. · n.
US //əˈpɹoʊtʃəz// UK //ɐpɹˈəʊtʃɪz// ap·proach·es
  1. 1 to come closer (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to move closer to someone or something in distance.

    to move nearer to someone or something in space.

    Example

    The train slowed down as it approached the station.

    Example

    As the storm approached the coastline, local authorities issued a mandatory evacuation order for all low-lying residential areas.

    Usage

    This verb is transitive and takes a direct object without a preposition.
    Pitfall
    We approached to the building.
    We approached the building.

    The verb 'approach' is transitive and does not take the preposition 'to' when followed by a destination.

  2. 2 time coming closer (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to get closer to a specific time or event.

    to draw near in time.

    Example

    The children got more excited as Christmas approached.

    Example

    As the deadline for the research grant approached, the laboratory staff worked late into the evening to finalise their data sets.

    Usage

    Often used intransitively when the subject is a time or event.
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  1. 3 a method (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a way of dealing with a situation or problem.

    a way of dealing with a matter or problem; a specific methodology.

    Example

    The school decided to try a new approach to teaching languages.

    Example

    The CEO advocated for a more aggressive approach to market expansion, despite concerns from the board regarding short-term liquidity.

    Usage

    Often takes the preposition 'to'.
  2. 4 a path or route (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a path, road, or direction used to reach a place.

    a road, passage, or way by which a place may be reached.

    Example

    The approach to the castle was steep and narrow.

    Example

    Air traffic control cleared the pilot for the final approach to the runway, noting that visibility had improved significantly.
  3. 5 social advances (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    efforts to start a conversation or a relationship with someone.

    an initial proposal or request made to someone; movements to gain favour.

    Example

    The company made several approaches to buy their smaller competitor.

    Example

    Despite his repeated social approaches, she remained professional and kept their interactions strictly focused on the project.

    Teacher's tip

    In this sense, the plural 'approaches' is very common when describing business or romantic overtures.

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