approach

To move nearer to a person, place, or time.

• A man approached the gate.
• Winter is approaching.
• Please slow down as you approach the school.

Similar words: near, draw near

Opposites: retreat

Common phrases: approach a building, approach someone, approach a deadline

To begin dealing with a task or problem in a particular way.

• How should we approach this problem?
• He approached the job with care.
• We need to approach the situation differently.

How to use it: approach something with something (She approached the task with patience.)

Similar words: tackle, address, deal with

Common phrases: approach a problem, approach a task, approach something carefully

A way of dealing with a task, problem, or situation.

• We tried a different approach.
• Her approach to teaching is simple.
• Which approach works best for you?

How to use it: approach to something (We need a new approach to teaching reading.); take an approach (They took a practical approach to the problem.)

Similar words: method, strategy, way

Common phrases: new approach, different approach, practical approach

The movement of someone or something nearer to a place, or the arrival of a time.

• We watched the boat’s slow approach.
• The birds sensed the approach of winter.
• His approach to the door was cautious.

How to use it: approach of someone/something (They watched the approach of the storm.)

Similar words: advance, arrival

Opposites: retreat

Common phrases: slow approach, approach of winter, approach to something

A road or path leading to a building or place.

• The northern approach is closed.
• Trees line the approach to the house.
• Police blocked all approaches to the bridge.

How to use it: approach to something (The approach to the castle is steep.)

Similar words: access road, access route

Common phrases: approach road, northern approach, approach to something

A planned way for an aircraft to move towards an airport before landing.

• The pilot began the approach.
• Fog forced us to abandon the approach.
• The aircraft was on final approach to the runway.

Similar words: landing approach

Common phrases: instrument approach, final approach, approach procedure