approach
English meaning: Approach
Definition
The act of drawing near; a coming or advancing near.
Example
“The team adopted a fresh approach to solving the problem.”
Another example: “As we approached the summit, the air grew noticeably thinner.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A neutral noun and verb for a way of dealing with something ('a new approach'), the act of coming near, or a route in ('the approach to the airport'). Common across everyday, academic, and technical registers. The verb means to come near or to make contact.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old French 'aprochier', from Late Latin 'appropiare' ('to draw near'), from 'ad-' ('to') + 'prope' ('near'), in English from the 14th century.
Synonyms
Antonyms / Opposites
- retreat
- withdrawal
Related Words
Common Collocations
- new approach
- take an approach
- approach to
- systematic approach
- cautious approach
Word Forms
approach (n); approaches (pl); approach (v); approached; approaching
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B