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approach

ap·proach

approach

 
 
pronunciation:
proch
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb, noun
features:
Word Combinations (verb, noun), Word Explorer
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: approaches, approaching, approached
definition 1: to come or go near to.
The child approached the dog carefully.The enemy is approaching the castle.
synonyms:
near
antonyms:
leave
similar words:
arrive, catch up to, close in on, gain, nudge, overtake, reach
definition 2: to move in the direction of or become nearly equal to in quality, degree, or amount.
The price used to be two dollars a pound, but now it's approaching five dollars a pound.Temperatures approach 125 degrees in this desert.
synonyms:
approximate
similar words:
equal, match, rival
definition 3: to go before (someone), intending to make a proposal or request.
He approached his father about borrowing the car.
similar words:
address, advance, broach, confront, introduce, offer, present, proffer, propose, propound, solicit, sound, suggest
definition 4: to begin to address.
How should we approach this huge task?
synonyms:
begin, commence, set about, start, undertake
similar words:
address
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition: to come near or draw near in space or time.
Spring is approaching, and the snow is beginning to melt.
synonyms:
catch up, come, near
antonyms:
leave
similar words:
draw, gain on
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part of speech: noun
definition 1: the act of coming or drawing near.
The approach of a fox woke the chickens.
synonyms:
approximation, proximation
antonyms:
withdrawal
similar words:
oncoming, passage
definition 2: a way or means of entering or coming near.
The police are guarding every approach to the house.
synonyms:
access, door, road, way
similar words:
course, doorway, entrée, entrance, entranceway, entry, entryway, ingress, inlet, portal, ramp, thoroughfare
definition 3: the act of coming before (someone), usu. to make a proposal.
If you want to convince the board members, you'll have to change your approach.
synonyms:
advance, overture
similar words:
motion, offer, presentation, proposal, proposition, recommendation
definition 4: means or method of dealing with something.
The new principal's approach to discipline appears to be successful.Since she was failing tests, the teacher suggested she try a different approach to studying.
synonyms:
address, manner, means, method, mode, style, way
similar words:
course, modus operandi, procedure, technique
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