approach
2 ENTRIES FOUND:
approaches;
approached;
approaching
approaches;
approached;
approaching
Britannica Dictionary definition of APPROACH
1
a
:
to move or become near or nearer to something or someone
[+ object]
-
The cat approached the baby cautiously.
-
We are approaching [=nearing] our destination.
[no object]
-
The cat approached cautiously.
-
Ease off the gas pedal to slow down as the bend in the road approaches.
b
:
to move or become near or nearer in time to something
[+ object]
-
We are approaching the end of the fiscal year.
-
She is approaching retirement. [=she will soon be retiring from her job]
[no object]
-
Your birthday is approaching fast. = Your birthday is fast approaching. [=your birthday is soon]
2
[+ object]
a
:
to get close to (an amount or level)
-
This weekend we're expecting temperatures approaching 100 degrees.
-
The success rates approach 90 percent.
b
:
to be almost the same as (something or someone)
-
We were never treated with anything even remotely approaching rudeness. [=no one was at all rude to us]
-
He has a wild laugh that sometimes approaches hysteria.
-
a reproduction that approaches the quality of the original painting
-
When it comes to cooking Italian food, no one can approach her. [=no one is as good at cooking Italian food as she is]
3
[+ object]
:
to start talking to (someone) for some purpose (such as to ask a question or make a request)
— often used as (be) approached
-
The supervisor is quite easy to approach, so don't hesitate to bring up any problems you have.
-
We were advised to never be too aggressive when approaching a potential client.
-
He was approached about the job but he didn't take it.
-
I was approached by a young boy asking me to make a donation.
4
[+ object]
:
to begin to deal with or think about (something)
-
When writing, consider the way your reader will approach the text.
-
She approached the problem from a different angle.
-
I will approach the idea with an open mind.
2
approach
/əˈproʊtʃ/
noun
plural
approaches
2
approach
/əˈproʊtʃ/
noun
plural
approaches
Britannica Dictionary definition of APPROACH
1
[count]
:
a way of dealing with something
:
a way of doing or thinking about something
— often + to
-
a traditional approach
-
trying a more healthy approach
-
I really admire your direct approach to the problem.
-
Some doctors are trying a radical new approach to cancer treatment.
2
[singular]
:
the act of moving or becoming near or nearer to someone or something
:
the act of approaching
:
an act or occurrence in which something comes nearer
-
The cat made a cautious approach.
-
The quiet afternoon was interrupted by the approach of a motorboat.
-
A loud growl warned us of the bear's approach.
-
With the approach of summer came longer, hotter days.
3
[count]
:
the act of speaking to someone for some purpose (such as to ask a question or make a request)
— often plural
-
A group of businessmen has made approaches to the owners of the club with an offer to buy it.
4
[count]
:
a road or path that leads to a place
-
This road is the only approach to the cabin (that is) not blocked by snow.
5
[singular]
:
something that is similar to another thing
-
These potted herbs are the nearest approach to a garden I can manage.
6
[count]
:
the final part of a flight just before landing
-
The pilot lowered the landing gear as the plane began its approach.
-
The plane was on final approach.
