Approaching

/əˈproʊtʃɪŋ/

verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To come nearer or closer.

/əˈproʊtʃɪŋ/

verbneutralBeginner
General

Moving closer to something or someone.

The storm is approaching.

💡 Simply: Getting closer.

More Examples

2

He approached the podium cautiously.

How It's Used

General

"The deadline is approaching quickly."

Travel

"We are approaching the city limits."

2

To begin to deal with (a task, problem, etc.) in a particular way.

/əˈproʊtʃɪŋ/

verbneutralIntermediate
General

To begin to deal with (a task, problem, etc.)

She approached the task with enthusiasm.

💡 Simply: Starting to tackle something.

More Examples

2

They approached the negotiation cautiously.

How It's Used

Problem-solving

"We need to approach this problem strategically."

Tip:Think of 'approaching' a problem as starting to work on it.

From Middle English *approchen, from Old French *aprochier, from Latin *appropiare, meaning "to draw near."

The word has maintained a consistent meaning throughout its history, referring to physical proximity and approaching a task or problem.

Memory tip

Imagine someone approaching you – they're getting closer.

approchingaproaching

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written