ENGLISH
REFERENCE

reach

v. · n.
US //ˈɹitʃ// UK //ɹˈiːtʃ// reach
  1. 1 to arrive at a place (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to arrive at a place or a goal after traveling or making an effort.

    to arrive at a destination or attain a specific state or goal through effort or progression.

    Example

    We finally reached the hotel after driving for six hours in the rain.

    Example

    The climbers finally reached the summit just as the sun began to set, marking the end of a grueling three-day ascent.
  2. 2 to stretch out an arm (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to move your arm or hand toward something so you can touch or grab it.

    to extend a limb or an object held in the hand in order to touch, grasp, or strike something.

    Example

    He reached for the top shelf to get the cereal box.

    Example

    She reached across the table to grab the salt, nearly knocking over a glass of water in the process.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'for' when trying to grab something.
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  1. 3 to contact someone (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to get in touch with someone by phone, email, or letter.

    to establish communication with someone, especially after several attempts.

    Example

    You can reach me on my mobile phone if there is an emergency.

    Example

    Despite several attempts to reach the manager by email, the client received no response regarding the refund.
  2. 4 to meet up (v.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal

    to arrive at a place to meet friends.

    to arrive at a destination, specifically to join others or meet up.

    Example

    I'll reach the party around nine, so wait for me there.

    Example

    The group decided to reach the club early to avoid the long queues at the entrance.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is common in Multicultural London English (MLE) and some Caribbean dialects.
  3. 5 distance you can stretch (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the distance you can stretch your arm to touch something.

    the physical extent or distance that a person or thing can reach.

    Example

    The cookies were kept on a high shelf, out of the child's reach.

    Example

    The boxer had a significant advantage due to his long reach, allowing him to land punches from a safer distance.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrases 'within reach' or 'out of reach'.
  4. 6 influence or power (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the power or ability to influence people or events.

    the extent of one's influence, power, or capacity to affect a situation.

    Example

    The new law has a long reach and will affect many businesses.

    Example

    The charity's reach has expanded globally, providing aid to millions of people in developing nations.
  5. 7 an exaggeration (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    something that is difficult to believe because it is an exaggeration.

    an interpretation or statement that goes beyond the available evidence; a stretch of the truth.

    Example

    Calling him a genius is a bit of a reach, but he is very smart.

    Example

    To suggest that the minor policy change caused the entire economic collapse is quite a reach.
  6. 8 sailing direction (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Sport

    a direction of sailing where the wind comes from the side of the boat.

    a point of sail where the wind blows across the side of the vessel, between being close-hauled and running.

    Example

    The boat picked up speed as we turned onto a broad reach.

    Example

    The crew adjusted the sails for a beam reach, taking full advantage of the steady crosswind to maintain their lead.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a specific nautical term used by sailors.

Etymology 1

From Middle English rechen, from Old English rǣċan (“to reach”), from Proto-West Germanic raikijan, from Proto-Germanic raikijaną, from the Proto-Indo-European *Hreyǵ- (“to bind, reach”).

Etymology 2

From Japanese 立直 (rīchi), from Chinese 立直 (lìzhí).

Word family
Idioms2 entries

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