26984 words

approach

15 definitions • 31 examples
1
to come near or nearer to something or someone in space, time, quality, or amount:

Examples:

We could just see the train approaching in the distance.
If you look out of the window on the left, you'll see that we're now approaching the Eiffel Tower.
I see it's approaching lunchtime, so let's take a break.
In my opinion, no other composers even begin to approach (= come near in quality to) Mozart.
The total amount raised so far is approaching (= almost) $1,000.
He's very active for a man approaching 80 (= who is almost 80 years old).
2
to deal with something:

Examples:

I'm not sure how to approach the problem.
3
to speak to, write to, or visit someone in order to do something such as make a request or business agreement:

Examples:

We've just approached the bank for/about a loan.
She's been approached by a modelling agency.
4
a way of considering or doing something:

Examples:

Since our research so far has not produced any answers to this problem, we need to adopt a different approach to it.
I've just read an interesting book which has a new approach to Shakespeare.
Michael is always very logical in his approach.
5
the fact of getting nearer in distance or time:

Examples:

The siren signalled the approach of an ambulance.
Many kinds of birds fly south at the approach of winter.
Please fasten your seat belts, the plane is now making its final approach (in)to (= is coming near to and preparing to land at) Heathrow.
6
a route that leads to a place:

Examples:

There is a very steep approach to the house.
UK We got stuck in a traffic jam on the approach road.
7
the most similar thing to something else that is mentioned:

Examples:

That's the nearest approach to an apology you're going to get from Paula.
8
an act of communicating with another person or group in order to ask for something:

Examples:

The hospital is making approaches to local businesses (= asking them to help) in their bid to raise money.
I hear that Everton have made an approach to (= an attempt to make a business arrangement with) Arsenal to buy one of their players.
9
to come nearer to something or someone:

Examples:

[ I ] We could see the train approaching from a distance.
10
If you approach someone, you meet or communicate directly with that person:

Examples:

[ T ] We approached the bank manager about a loan.
11
to deal with something:

Examples:

We should approach this problem logically.
12
(of a person or object) the act of coming near to someone or something, or (of an event) the state of being about to happen soon:

Examples:

[ U ] The approach of winter sends many birds flying south.
13
a way of dealing with something:

Examples:

We need to adopt a different approach to the problem.
14
a way of doing something:

Examples:

an approach to sth Their positive approach to absence management played a large part in helping the organization return to profitability.
a cautious/hands-on/practical approach He is respected for his hands-on approach in recruiting and a tireless work ethic.
15
an act of communicating with another person or group in order to ask for something:

Examples:

The company said it has already had several approaches that "may or may not lead to an offer".
receive an approach He had received a very attractive job approach to become group chief executive of a major company.

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