Meaning

(intransitive) To come or go near, in place or time; to move toward; to advance nearer; to draw nigh..

Definitions by Sense

1. (intransitive) To come or go near, in place or time; to move toward; to advance nearer; to draw nigh.
2. (intransitive, golf, tennis) To play an approach shot.
3. (ambitransitive, figuratively) Used intransitively, followed by to: to draw near (to someone or something); to make advances; to approximate or become almost equal.
4. (transitive, rarely intransitive) Of an immovable object or a number of such objects: to be positioned as to (notionally) appear to be moving towards (a place).
5. (transitive, also figuratively) To move toward (someone or something) in place, time, character, or value; to draw nearer to.
6. (transitive) To bring (something) near something else; to cause (something) to draw near.
7. (transitive, mathematical analysis) Used when defining limits, preceded by as: To become arbitrarily close to some value, be it a number, vector or infinity and have an effect on another value.
8. (transitive) To attempt to make (a policy) or solve (a problem).

Example Sentences

She approached the door cautiously.

We were approached by a stranger asking for directions.

The deadline is fast approaching.

Approach thou beacon [the Sun] to this vnder gloabe, That by thy comfortable beames I may Peruſe this letter, nothing almoſt ſees my wracke But miſerie.

And if ſo be that the kings wrath ariſe, and hee ſay vnto thee, wherefore approched ye ſo nigh vnto the city when yee did fight? Knew yee not that they would ſhoot from the wall?

And let vs conſider one another to prouoke vnto loue, and to good workes: Not forſaking the aſſembling of ourſelues together, as the manner of ſome is: but exhorting one another, and ſo much the more, as ye ſee the day approching.

It beckoned Scrooge to approach, which he did. When they were within two paces of each other, Marley's Ghost held up its hand, warning him to come no nearer. Scrooge stopped.

The descent continues, still more steeply to Dundee (Tay Bridge), and approaching from the bridge itself this sharp descent gives the curious appearance that the station is below the level of the firth.

Word Forms

• approaches
• approaching
• approached

Synonyms for approach

Related Words

When Should You Use Approach?

Use approach when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

Practice This Word

Frequently Asked Questions