arrive
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1 to reach a place (v.) A1 Beginnerto reach a place at the end of a journey.
to reach a destination at the conclusion of a journey or movement.
ExampleThe train should arrive at the platform in ten minutes.
ExampleDespite the heavy snowfall and several mechanical delays, the delegation finally arrived at the embassy just before the gala commenced.
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2 to become successful (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto finally achieve success or become famous.
to achieve a position of success, fame, or social status.
ExampleAfter years of hard work, she felt she had finally arrived in the fashion world.
ExampleWith his latest exhibition receiving critical acclaim in Paris, the young sculptor felt he had truly arrived on the international art scene.
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3 to happen or come (v.) B1 Intermediateto happen or start, especially when talking about a time or an event.
to occur or come into existence; used of time, seasons, or anticipated events.
ExampleSpring has finally arrived after a very long and cold winter.
ExampleThe moment of truth had arrived, and the researchers prepared to reveal the results of their decade-long study to the public.
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4 sexual climax (v.) C2 Proficiency Slang Vulgar British Englishto reach the peak of sexual pleasure.
to achieve a sexual orgasm.
ExampleThe scene in the adult movie showed the couple arriving at the same time.
ExampleThe author used the euphemism 'arriving' to describe the character's climax in the erotic novel.
Teacher's tipThis sense is highly informal and potentially offensive; learners should be aware of it to avoid accidental misuse in polite company.
From Middle English arriven, ariven, from Old French ariver, from Early Medieval Latin adrīpāre (“to land, come ashore”), derived from Latin rīpa (“shore, river-bank”). Displaced native oncome, tocome. For the semantic evolution, compare Old English ġelandian, ġelendan, lendan (“to arrive at land; land”) > Middle English alenden, landen (“to arrive; arrive at shore; land”).
Intransitive verb; requires the preposition 'at' for specific locations or 'in' for cities and countries.
arrive to Londonarrive in LondonLearners often use 'to' because of the movement involved, but 'arrive' requires 'in' for cities/countries or 'at' for specific buildings.