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reach for

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˈritʃ fɚ/ · UK /ˈriːtʃ fə/

reach for means: To move your hand or arm toward something because you want to take or touch it.

verb

EXTEND YOUR HANDA2

To move your hand or arm toward something because you want to take or touch it.

  • He reached for his cup.
  • She reached for the book on the top shelf.
  • Why are you reaching for my phone?

How to use it: reach for someone/something (She reached for my hand.)

Similar words: stretch for

Common phrases: reach for something, reach for someone, reach for help

AIM TO ACHIEVEB2

To try to achieve something you want, especially a difficult or ambitious goal.

  • She is reaching for success.
  • The team reached for a higher standard of care.
  • We encourage students to reach for their dreams.

How to use it: reach for something (Young athletes should reach for their highest goals.)

Similar words: aim for, strive for, aspire to

Common phrases: reach for success, reach for excellence, reach for greatness

Questions about reach for

What does reach for mean?

To move your hand or arm toward something because you want to take or touch it.

What is reach for in other languages?

Türkçe: elini uzatmak · Español: alargar la mano hacia · Français: tendre la main vers · Deutsch: greifen nach · Italiano: allungare la mano verso · 日本語: 手を伸ばす

How do you pronounce reach for?

In American English /ˈritʃ fɚ/; in British English /ˈriːtʃ fə/.

How do you use reach for in a sentence?

He reached for his cup. She reached for the book on the top shelf.

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reach for in other languages

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