Approach vs. Broach — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 9, 2024
"Approach" refers to moving nearer to something or someone, or the way one deals with a situation, while "broach" means to bring up or introduce a subject for discussion.
Difference Between Approach and Broach
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Approach" is used when talking about coming physically closer to something or someone, or metaphorically, to describe how one deals with or tackles a situation, problem, or task. It implies a strategy or method of handling something. On the other hand, "broach" is primarily used in a conversational or discussion context, meaning to initiate conversation about a topic, often one that is difficult or sensitive.
While "approach" can imply a gradual, planned, or strategic movement or method, "broach" suggests the action of initiating something that needs to be discussed or addressed. "Approach" can be versatile, used in various contexts, from physical movement to methods and strategies. In contrast, "broach" is more specific, mainly relating to communication and the initiation of topics for discussion.
The use of "approach" is common in both everyday and professional language, encompassing a wide range of activities from social interactions to business strategies. "Broach," however, is often used in more specific scenarios, especially where there is a need to introduce a topic for discussion carefully and tactfully.
Both terms require careful consideration of context; "approach" concerns how one comes near or deals with something, while "broach" is about the way one introduces or opens up a subject for discussion. Choosing between them depends on whether the situation involves moving toward something or bringing up a new topic.
Comparison Chart
Definition
To come near or deal with.
To bring up a subject for discussion.
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Usage
Physical movement or strategy.
Initiating conversation about a topic.
Context
Broad, including strategies and methods.
Specific, mainly in communication.
Implication
Gradual, planned movement or method.
Action of starting a discussion.
Commonality
Widely used in various contexts.
More specific to communication.
Compare with Definitions
Approach
Moving closer physically.
The cat slowly approached the open window.
Broach
Introducing for consideration.
The meeting broached the possibility of a merger.
Approach
Dealing with situations.
Her approach to solving conflicts is very diplomatic.
Broach
Initiating discussion.
He broached the subject of salary increases cautiously.
Approach
Initiating contact.
He approached the company for a job.
Broach
Bringing up a topic.
It’s time to broach the idea of moving to a new office.
Approach
Preparing to handle.
We need a new approach to deal with customer complaints.
Broach
Addressing a sensitive issue.
We need to broach the issue of workplace etiquette.
Approach
Method or strategy.
The new approach to marketing has increased our sales.
Broach
Opening up a conversation.
She broached the difficult topic of downsizing with her team.
Approach
To come near or nearer, as in space or time
Spring approaches.
Broach
To bring up (a subject) for discussion or debate.
Approach
(Sports) To make an approach, as in golf.
Broach
To announce
We broached our plans for the new year.
Approach
To come or go near or nearer to
Approached the tunnel.
Broach
To pierce in order to draw off liquid
Broach a keg of beer.
Approach
To come close to, as in appearance, quality, or condition; approximate
The performance approaches perfection.
Broach
To draw off (a liquid) by piercing a hole in a cask or other container.
Approach
To make a proposal or overtures to with a specific end in view
Approached the administration for a raise.
Broach
To shape or enlarge (a hole) with a tapered, serrated tool.
Approach
To begin to deal with or work on
Approached the task with dread.
Approached the issue from a historical perspective.
Broach
To veer or cause to veer broadside to the wind and waves
Tried to keep the boat from broaching to.
Approach
The act of approaching
The approach of night.
Broach
A tapered, serrated tool used to shape or enlarge a hole.
Approach
A fairly close resemblance; an approximation.
Broach
The hole made by such a tool.
Approach
A way or means of reaching something; an access
An approach to the bridge.
Broach
A spit for roasting meat.
Approach
The method used in dealing with or accomplishing
A logical approach to the problem.
Broach
A mason's narrow chisel.
Approach
An advance or overture made by one person to another.
Broach
A gimlet for tapping or broaching casks.
Approach
The golf stroke following the drive from the tee with which a player tries to get the ball onto the putting green.
Broach
Variant of brooch.
Approach
The steps taken prior to executing a competitive maneuver, as by a diver before diving forward from a springboard or by a bowler before delivering the ball.
Broach
A series of chisel points mounted on one piece of steel. For example, the toothed stone chisel shown here.
Approach
The part of the area behind the foul line in a bowling alley used by a bowler in delivering the ball.
Broach
(masonry) A broad chisel for stone-cutting.
Approach
(intransitive) To come or go near, in place or time; to move toward; to advance nearer; to draw nigh.
Broach
Alternative spelling of brooch
Approach
To play an approach shot.
Broach
A spit for cooking food.
Approach
Used intransitively, followed by to: to draw near (to someone or something); to make advances; to approximate or become almost equal.
He approaches to the character of the ablest statesman.
Broach
An awl; a bodkin; also, a wooden rod or pin, sharpened at each end, used by thatchers.
Approach
Of an immovable object or a number of such objects: to be positioned as to (notionally) appear to be moving towards (a place).
As we drove along the driveway, the trees approaching the house seemed more eerie.
Broach
A spire rising from a tower.
Approach
To move toward (someone or something) in place, time, character, or value; to draw nearer to.
“Would counsel please approach the bench?” asked the judge.
He approached the age of manhood.
Broach
A spit-like start on the head of a young stag.
Approach
(transitive) To bring (something) near something else; to cause (something) to draw near.
Broach
The stick from which candle wicks are suspended for dipping.
Approach
(transitive) To attempt to make (a policy) or solve (a problem).
Broach
The pin in a lock which enters the barrel of the key.
Approach
(transitive) To bring up or propose to (someone) an idea, question, request, etc.
Broach
(transitive) To make a hole in, especially a cask of liquor, and put in a tap in order to draw the liquid.
Approach
To take approaches to (a place); to move towards (a place) by using covered roads, trenches, or other works.
Broach
(transitive) To open, to make an opening into; to pierce.
French knights at Agincourt were unable to broach the English line.
Approach
An act of drawing near in place or time; an advancing or coming near.
Broach
To begin discussion about (something).
I broached the subject of contraceptives carefully when the teenager mentioned his promiscuity.
Approach
An act of coming near in character or value; an approximation.
Broach
(intransitive) To be turned sideways to oncoming waves, especially large or breaking waves.
The small boat broached and nearly sank, because of the large waves.
Approach
An avenue, passage, or way by which a building or place can be approached; an access.
Broach
(transitive) To cause to turn sideways to oncoming waves, especially large or breaking waves (usually followed by to; also figurative).
Each time we came around into the wind, the sea broached our bow.
Approach
(climbing) A path taken to reach the climbing area, for example, from a car park, road, etc.
Broach
To break the surface of the water.
Approach
(figuratively) A manner of making (a policy) or solving (a problem, etc.).
Broach
A spit.
He turned a broach that had worn a crown.
Approach
(archaic) An opportunity of drawing near; access.
Broach
An awl; a bodkin; also, a wooden rod or pin, sharpened at each end, used by thatchers.
Approach
The way an aircraft comes in to land at an airport.
Broach
A broad chisel for stonecutting.
Approach
A specific procedure used for approaching and landing at an airport.
We flew the RNAV/GPS A approach to runway 16.
Broach
A spire rising from a tower.
Approach
(bowling) The area before the lane in which a bowler may stand or run up before bowling the ball.
Broach
A clasp for fastening a garment. See Brooch.
Approach
To come or go near, in place or time; to draw nigh; to advance nearer.
Wherefore approached ye so nigh unto the city?
But exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Broach
A spitlike start, on the head of a young stag.
Approach
To draw near, in a figurative sense; to make advances; to approximate; as, he approaches to the character of the ablest statesman.
Broach
The stick from which candle wicks are suspended for dipping.
Approach
To bring near; to cause to draw near; to advance.
Broach
The pin in a lock which enters the barrel of the key.
Approach
To come near to in place, time, or character; to draw nearer to; as, to approach the city; to approach my cabin; he approached the age of manhood.
He was an admirable poet, and thought even to have approached Homer.
Broach
To spit; to pierce as with a spit.
I'll broach the tadpole on my rapier's point.
Approach
To take approaches to.
Broach
To open for the first time, as stores.
You shall want neither weapons, victuals, nor aid; I will open the old armories, I will broach my store, and will bring forth my stores.
Approach
The act of drawing near; a coming or advancing near.
A nearer approach to the human type.
Broach
To make public; to utter; to publish first; to put forth; to introduce as a topic of conversation.
Those very opinions themselves had broached.
Approach
A access, or opportunity of drawing near.
The approach to kings and principal persons.
Broach
To cause to begin or break out.
Approach
Movements to gain favor; advances.
Broach
To shape roughly, as a block of stone, by chiseling with a coarse tool.
Approach
A way, passage, or avenue by which a place or buildings can be approached; an access.
Broach
To enlarge or dress (a hole), by using a broach.
Approach
The advanced works, trenches, or covered roads made by besiegers in their advances toward a fortress or military post.
Broach
A decorative pin worn by women
Approach
See Approaching.
Broach
Bring up a topic for discussion
Approach
A stroke whose object is to land the ball on the putting green. It is made with an iron club.
Approach
That part of a flight during which an airplane descends toward the landing strip.
Approach
The steps taken by a bowler just before delivering the ball toward the pins.
Approach
Ideas or actions intended to deal with a problem or situation;
His approach to every problem is to draw up a list of pros and cons
An attack on inflation
His plan of attack was misguided
Approach
The act of drawing spatially closer to something;
The hunter's approach scattered the geese
Approach
A way of entering or leaving;
He took a wrong turn on the access to the bridge
Approach
The final path followed by an aircraft as it is landing
Approach
The event of one object coming closer to another
Approach
A tentative suggestion designed to elicit the reactions of others;
She rejected his advances
Approach
The temporal property of becoming nearer in time;
The approach of winter
Approach
A close approximation;
The nearest approach to genius
Approach
A relatively short golf shot intended to put the ball onto the putting green;
He lost the hole when his approach rolled over the green
Approach
Move towards;
We were approaching our destination
They are drawing near
The enemy army came nearer and nearer
Approach
Come near or verge on, resemble, come nearer in quality, or character;
This borders on discrimination!
His playing approaches that of Horowitz
Approach
Begin to deal with;
Approach a task
Go about a difficult problem
Approach a new project
Approach
Come near in time;
Winter is approaching
Approaching old age
Approach
Make advances to someone, usually with a proposal or suggestion;
I was approached by the President to serve as his adviser in foreign matters
Common Curiosities
How do you broach a difficult topic?
To broach a difficult topic, one usually starts the conversation carefully, considering the sensitivity of the subject and the feelings of the participants.
What does it mean to approach someone?
To approach someone means to move closer to them, either physically or in terms of starting a conversation or relationship.
What are some synonyms for "approach"?
Some synonyms include method, strategy, way, or manner.
Can "approach" be used in a non-physical sense?
Yes, "approach" can refer to the way one deals with or tackles a situation, not just physical movement.
What's the difference between an approach in business and broaching a subject?
An approach in business refers to the methods or strategies used in operations or problem-solving, while broaching a subject involves starting a discussion about a specific topic.
What is a diplomatic approach?
A diplomatic approach refers to a method or strategy that is tactful, sensitive to others' feelings, and aimed at avoiding conflict.
Is "broach" only used for negative subjects?
No, "broach" can be used for any subject, though it often comes up in the context of more difficult or sensitive discussions.
Why is it important to broach subjects carefully?
Because initiating discussions, especially on sensitive issues, can impact relationships and outcomes, it's important to do so thoughtfully to ensure constructive dialogue.
What are some synonyms for "broach"?
Some synonyms include introduce, bring up, initiate, or open.
Can "approach" and "broach" be used interchangeably?
No, because they serve different purposes: "approach" is about moving closer or dealing with something in a particular way, and "broach" is about bringing up or starting a conversation on a topic.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
