reaching
v. · n.-
1 stretching out (v.) B1 Intermediatethe act of stretching out your arm or body to touch or grab something.
the present participle of 'reach', describing the physical extension of a limb or the body toward an object.
ExampleShe was reaching for the top shelf when the ladder started to wobble.
ExampleReaching for the light switch in the unfamiliar corridor, he accidentally knocked a small ceramic vase off the side table.
- withdrawing
- retracting
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2 an attempt to grasp (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe physical movement you make when you try to catch or hold something.
the action of extending a part of the body to touch or grasp an object.
ExampleWith one final reaching of his arm, he managed to grab the rope.
ExampleThe child's desperate reaching toward the balloon was met with disappointment as the wind carried it over the garden fence.
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3 sailing across the wind (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical Sportsailing a boat with the wind coming from the side rather than the front or back.
the act of sailing on a reach, where the wind is directed at the side of the vessel between close-hauled and running.
ExampleThe crew found that reaching was the fastest way to cross the bay in these conditions.
ExampleAfter rounding the first buoy, the yacht began reaching toward the finish line, gaining significant speed as the wind caught the sails from the beam.
UsageOften used in the context of competitive racing or navigation descriptions.
From Middle English reching, rechyng, recchinge, rechand, from Old English rǣċende and reċċende (“reaching”), from Proto-Germanic raikijandz, present participle of raikijaną (“to stretch, reach”) and Proto-Germanic rakjandz, present participle of *rakjaną (“to stretch, straighten”). Equivalent to reach + -ing.
From Middle English rechynge, recchinge, from Old English rǣċing (“reaching, extending”), equivalent to reach + -ing.