approach

UK /əˈprəʊtʃ/ US /əˈproʊtʃ/ Syllables: ap-proach

Pronunciation

Verb B1 Intermediate Neutral

To move closer to something, or to start dealing with a task or problem in a certain way.

To approach is to come near to something in distance, in time, or in amount. A train approaches the station, winter approaches in autumn, and a child approaches a stranger. It also means to start dealing with a problem or a person: you can approach a teacher for advice or approach a task in a new way. As a noun, an approach is a way of dealing with something.

"She approached the topic carefully so as not to upset anyone."

Meanings

To come closer to something or someone.
To begin to deal with a problem or a task.

Example sentences

"The train is approaching the station."

Level B1, Meaning 1
"Exams are approaching, so I study every night."

Level B1, Meaning 1
"She approached the manager about a day off."

Level B2, Meaning 2
"We need a new approach to this old problem."

Level B2, Meaning 2

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

near

Look-alikes and common mistakes

reach : Reach means to arrive at a place or goal. Approach means to be coming near, before you arrive.

Word family and forms

Forms: approaches, approached, approaching

approachable unapproachable approaching

Word partners

Words and phrases that often go with "approach".

approach a problem
approach someone
a new approach
approach the town
fresh approach
as we approach

Origin

Approach comes through Old French aprochier from Late Latin appropiare, which meant to come nearer. The root is the Latin word prope, meaning near.

Checked against: Wiktionary, the free dictionary, Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

How to remember it

Approach has "proach" inside, and "proximity" has the same root: both mean nearness.

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "The train is _____ the station."

Answer: approach

In your own words, what does "approach" mean?