Approach Definition and Meaning
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Published on March 8, 2024
Approach means to come near or nearer to something or someone in distance or time. e.g., The cat slowly approached the open window.
Table of Contents
Approach Definitions
To come close or nearer in space or time.
As we approached the city, the traffic began to increase.
To speak to someone about something, usually for the first time.
He approached his teacher for advice on his project.
To begin to deal with or work on something.
She approached the task with great enthusiasm.
To make a proposal or offer to someone.
The investor approached us with a partnership offer.
To get closer to someone or something in terms of understanding or knowledge.
Scientists are approaching a cure for the disease.
To take steps toward achieving a goal.
We need to approach our fitness goals with patience.
To draw near to in resemblance or quality.
Her painting technique approaches that of the master painters.
To address or consider a problem or situation.
The council approached the issue of homelessness with a new policy.
To approximate or be almost the same as something.
His generosity approaches that of a philanthropist.
To come near or close to a certain condition or state.
The company is approaching profitability.
To come near or nearer, as in space or time
Spring approaches.
(Sports) To make an approach, as in golf.
To come or go near or nearer to
Approached the tunnel.
To come close to, as in appearance, quality, or condition; approximate
The performance approaches perfection.
To make a proposal or overtures to with a specific end in view
Approached the administration for a raise.
To begin to deal with or work on
Approached the task with dread.
Approached the issue from a historical perspective.
The act of approaching
The approach of night.
A fairly close resemblance; an approximation.
A way or means of reaching something; an access
An approach to the bridge.
The method used in dealing with or accomplishing
A logical approach to the problem.
An advance or overture made by one person to another.
The golf stroke following the drive from the tee with which a player tries to get the ball onto the putting green.
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.
The part of the area behind the foul line in a bowling alley used by a bowler in delivering the ball.
(intransitive) To come or go near, in place or time; to move toward; to advance nearer; to draw nigh.
To play an approach shot.
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.
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.
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.
(transitive) To bring (something) near something else; to cause (something) to draw near.
(transitive) To attempt to make (a policy) or solve (a problem).
(transitive) To bring up or propose to (someone) an idea, question, request, etc.
To take approaches to (a place); to move towards (a place) by using covered roads, trenches, or other works.
An act of drawing near in place or time; an advancing or coming near.
An act of coming near in character or value; an approximation.
An avenue, passage, or way by which a building or place can be approached; an access.
(climbing) A path taken to reach the climbing area, for example, from a car park, road, etc.
(figuratively) A manner of making (a policy) or solving (a problem, etc.).
(archaic) An opportunity of drawing near; access.
The way an aircraft comes in to land at an airport.
A specific procedure used for approaching and landing at an airport.
We flew the RNAV/GPS A approach to runway 16.
(bowling) The area before the lane in which a bowler may stand or run up before bowling the ball.
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.
To draw near, in a figurative sense; to make advances; to approximate; as, he approaches to the character of the ablest statesman.
To bring near; to cause to draw near; to advance.
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.
To take approaches to.
The act of drawing near; a coming or advancing near.
A nearer approach to the human type.
A access, or opportunity of drawing near.
The approach to kings and principal persons.
Movements to gain favor; advances.
A way, passage, or avenue by which a place or buildings can be approached; an access.
The advanced works, trenches, or covered roads made by besiegers in their advances toward a fortress or military post.
A stroke whose object is to land the ball on the putting green. It is made with an iron club.
That part of a flight during which an airplane descends toward the landing strip.
The steps taken by a bowler just before delivering the ball toward the pins.
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
The act of drawing spatially closer to something;
The hunter's approach scattered the geese
A way of entering or leaving;
He took a wrong turn on the access to the bridge
The final path followed by an aircraft as it is landing
The event of one object coming closer to another
A tentative suggestion designed to elicit the reactions of others;
She rejected his advances
The temporal property of becoming nearer in time;
The approach of winter
A close approximation;
The nearest approach to genius
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
Move towards;
We were approaching our destination
They are drawing near
The enemy army came nearer and nearer
Come near or verge on, resemble, come nearer in quality, or character;
This borders on discrimination!
His playing approaches that of Horowitz
Begin to deal with;
Approach a task
Go about a difficult problem
Approach a new project
Come near in time;
Winter is approaching
Approaching old age
Make advances to someone, usually with a proposal or suggestion;
I was approached by the President to serve as his adviser in foreign matters
Approach Snonyms
Engage
To occupy or attract someone's interest or attention.
The exhibit engaged visitors with its interactive displays.
Near
To get closer to something in distance.
As we neared the coast, we could see the lighthouse.
Address
To direct attention to or deal with a matter.
The CEO addressed the company's challenges in her speech.
Confront
To face or deal with a challenge or difficulty.
He had to confront his fears to achieve his dreams.
Encroach
To gradually move or go into an area that is beyond a reasonable or acceptable limit.
The sea slowly encroached upon the beachfront property.
Commence
To begin or start something.
The ceremony will commence at noon.
Tackle
To make determined efforts to deal with a problem.
The team tackled the project with hard work and determination.
Accost
To approach and speak to (someone) often in a challenging or aggressive way.
She was accosted by a stranger on the street.
Advance
To move forward or make progress.
The troops advanced towards the enemy lines.
Approach Idioms & Phrases
Open-door approach
A policy of being open to discuss any matter at any time.
The manager's open-door approach made her very approachable.
Approach the bench
In a courtroom, for a lawyer to come closer to the judge's desk to speak privately.
The judge asked the attorney to approach the bench.
A fresh approach
A new and different way of dealing with something.
The team needs a fresh approach to solve this problem.
Hands-on approach
Involving active participation; direct involvement.
He prefers a hands-on approach when managing projects.
Multi-pronged approach
Using several different methods or strategies simultaneously.
The policy was a multi-pronged approach to reduce crime.
Direct approach
Dealing with something in a straightforward and honest way.
She appreciated his direct approach to problem-solving.
Approach with caution
To deal with a situation carefully because it might be dangerous or difficult.
Approach negotiations with caution to avoid conflicts.
Holistic approach
Considering the whole of something rather than just individual parts.
A holistic approach to health considers mental and social factors, not just physical symptoms.
Approach with kid gloves
To deal with someone or something very delicately.
You need to approach the negotiations with kid gloves.
Step-by-step approach
Dealing with something in a systematic, sequential manner.
Using a step-by-step approach can simplify complex tasks.
Take the wrong approach
To deal with something in an inappropriate way.
We took the wrong approach in handling customer complaints.
Approach the subject
To start talking about a particular topic.
It's time we approached the subject of your future here.
Approach the matter
To begin to consider or deal with an issue.
Let's approach the matter with open minds.
Integrated approach
Combining various methods or ideas to deal with something.
An integrated approach to urban planning can create more livable cities.
Strategic approach
Planning carefully to achieve a specific goal or result.
We need a more strategic approach to increase our market share.
Soft approach
A gentle, persuasive way of dealing with something.
A soft approach may be more effective in resolving the conflict.
Approach the end
To near the completion or conclusion of something.
As we approach the end of the year, it's time to reflect on our achievements.
Approach from a different angle
To consider or tackle something in a new or different way.
Approaching the problem from a different angle revealed a solution.
Tailored approach
An approach specifically designed to suit a particular situation or set of needs.
A tailored approach to education can address each student's unique learning style.
Proactive approach
Taking action by causing change and not only reacting to change when it happens.
A proactive approach to personal development can lead to significant growth.
Approach Example Sentences
The team's approach to solving the problem was both innovative and effective.
The approach of winter brought colder days and longer nights.
Their approach to customer service significantly boosted their satisfaction ratings.
The teacher's approach to classroom management fostered a positive learning environment.
His approach to the game was strategic, focusing on defense first.
The approach to the castle was guarded by an ancient stone wall.
He decided to change his approach to studying to improve his grades.
The approach to the city was marked by beautiful, scenic views.
As she approached the house, she noticed something was amiss.
They discussed the best approach to take for the upcoming negotiation.
The company's approach to sustainability has been praised by environmental groups.
The new approach to the project yielded better results than expected.
A gentle approach is often more effective when dealing with sensitive issues.
Common Curiosities
How many syllables are in approach?
There are two syllables in "approach."
How do we divide approach into syllables?
Approach is divided into syllables as follows: ap-proach.
Why is it called approach?
It is called "approach" because it originates from the Latin word "appropiare," meaning to come nearer to, signifying movement toward something or someone.
What is a stressed syllable in approach?
The stressed syllable in "approach" is the second syllable: proach.
How is approach used in a sentence?
"Approach" is used to describe the act of coming near or dealing with something, e.g., He approached the task with great care.
What is the verb form of approach?
The verb form of "approach" is "to approach."
What part of speech is approach?
"Approach" can be a verb (meaning to come near) and a noun (meaning the act of coming near or a way of dealing with something).
What is the plural form of approach?
The plural form of "approach" is "approaches."
What is the opposite of approach?
The opposite of "approach" (as a verb) could be "depart" or "recede," and as a noun, it might be "departure" or "withdrawal."
Is approach a countable noun?
Yes, as a noun, "approach" is countable, e.g., different approaches to a problem.
What is the pronunciation of approach?
The pronunciation of "approach" is /əˈproʊtʃ/.
What is the root word of approach?
The root word of "approach" is from the Latin "appropiare," meaning to come nearer to.
What is the first form of approach?
The first form of "approach" is "approach."
What is the second form of approach?
The second form of "approach" is "approached."
What is the singular form of approach?
The singular form of "approach" is "approach."
Is approach a negative or positive word?
"Approach" is generally a neutral word; its positive or negative connotation depends on the context in which it is used.
Is approach a collective noun?
No, "approach" is not typically used as a collective noun.
Is the word approach a Gerund?
When used with an -ing ending, "approaching" acts as a gerund, e.g., "Approaching the subject requires care."
Which conjunction is used with approach?
The conjunction used with "approach" depends on the sentence structure and is not specific to "approach."
Which article is used with approach?
The article used with "approach" can be "a" or "the," depending on whether it's used in a specific or general context.
What is the third form of approach?
The third form of "approach" is "approached."
What is another term for approach?
Another term for "approach" could be "method" when referring to a way of doing something, or "advance" when referring to movement toward something.
Is approach a vowel or consonant?
The word "approach" starts with a vowel sound (a).
Is the word “approach” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
In sentences where "approach" is a verb, it can take a direct object, e.g., "He approached the problem." As a noun, it can be a direct object, e.g., "We considered a new approach."
Which determiner is used with approach?
Determiners such as "a," "the," and "this" can be used with "approach," depending on the context.
Is approach a noun or adjective?
"Approach" can be a noun and a verb but is not typically used as an adjective.
Is approach an adverb?
No, "approach" is not an adverb.
Is approach an abstract noun?
As a noun, "approach" can be considered abstract when referring to a method or way of doing something, although it describes a concept rather than a tangible item.
Is the approach term a metaphor?
"Approach" can be used metaphorically to describe ways of dealing with situations or problems.
Is the word approach imperative?
Yes, "approach" can be used in the imperative mood as a command or instruction, e.g., "Approach the bench."
Which vowel is used before approach?
The use of a vowel before "approach" depends on the preceding word; it's often preceded by articles like "an" or "the."
Which preposition is used with approach?
Prepositions used with "approach" can include "to," "toward," and "with," depending on the context.
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Written 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.
Co-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.
