approach

¹ap·proach

verb \ə-ˈprōch\

Definition of APPROACH

transitive verb

1

a : to draw closer to : near <approach a destination> b : to come very near to : be almost the same as <its mathematics approaches mysticism — Theodore Sturgeon> <as the quantity x approaches zero>

2

a : to make advances to especially in order to create a desired result <was approached by several Broadway producers> b : to take preliminary steps toward accomplishment or full knowledge or experience of <approach the subject with an open mind>

intransitive verb

1

: to draw nearer <the time is fast approaching>

2

: to make an approach in golf

Examples of APPROACH

1. The cat approached the baby cautiously.
2. Ease off the gas pedal to slow down as the bend in the road approaches.
3. We are approaching the end of the fiscal year.
4. This weekend we're expecting temperatures approaching 100 degrees.
5. The success rates approach 90 percent.
6. He has a wild laugh that sometimes approaches hysteria.
7. a reproduction that approaches the quality of the original painting
8. The supervisor is quite easy to approach, so don't hesitate to bring up any problems you have.
9. We were advised to never be too aggressive when approaching a potential client.

Origin of APPROACH

Middle English approchen, from Anglo-French aprocher, from Late Latin appropiare, from Latin ad- + prope near; akin to Latin pro before — more at for

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to APPROACH

Synonyms: belly up, close, close in, come up, draw on, near, nigh

Antonyms: back (up or away), recede, retire, retreat, withdraw

Related Words: arrive, attain, come, gain, hit, land, make, reach, show up, turn up, waltz up; creep up, sneak up; adjoin, border, touch, verge

Near Antonyms: clear out, depart, exit, go, leave, light out, pull out, quit, remove, run away, shove (off), take off, walk out

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with APPROACH

abroach, caroche, cockroach, encroach, reproach, stagecoach