Reach
/riːtʃ/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo extend an arm or other limb in an attempt to touch or grasp something.
/riːtʃ/
To extend an arm or other limb to touch or grasp something.
He reached for the door handle.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to grab a toy that's a little far away. Reaching is when you stretch your arm to try and get it! It's like when you want to give someone a high-five but your arm needs to go out a bit to connect.
👶 For kids: To stretch out your arm to get something!
More Examples
The child reached for the colorful balloon.
She reached the summit of the mountain.
How It's Used
"She reached for the book on the shelf."
"The goalkeeper reached the ball but couldn't catch it."
To arrive at or get to a place, a point, or a state.
/riːtʃ/
To arrive at or get to a place.
We reached the airport on time.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're on a trip, and you finally get to your favorite part of the journey. 'Reach' is the same: it's when you arrive at a location or a goal. For instance, you finally reach the top of a slide, that means you got there!
👶 For kids: To get to a place!
More Examples
The package reached its destination.
They reached an agreement after hours of negotiation.
How It's Used
"They reached Paris after a long journey."
"The project reached a critical stage."
To extend so as to be in contact or communication with someone or something.
/riːtʃ/
The charity aims to reach those in need.
💡 Simply: Think about sending a message to a friend. Reaching in this sense means you're trying to connect with someone or something, whether it’s through a phone call, a letter, or even trying to get a certain amount of people to know your product.
👶 For kids: To try to talk or tell someone something!
More Examples
Can you reach me on my cell phone?
We are trying to reach a wider audience.
How It's Used
"We are trying to reach out to the community with our message."
"The company aims to reach new customers."
The distance that can be covered by stretching an arm or limb; the scope or extent of something.
/riːtʃ/
The distance that can be covered by stretching an arm or limb; the scope of something.
The child had a long reach, able to grab the cookies.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're a superhero with a super long arm! Your 'reach' would be how far your arm could stretch. In a more general sense, it means how far something goes or the effect it has. Think about a store that is open for 100 miles has a reach of 100 miles.
👶 For kids: How far you can stretch your arm!
More Examples
The company has a wide market reach.
The long-legged player had a greater reach than his opponents.
How It's Used
"The player's reach was long enough to grab the ball."
"The company expanded its market reach."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
out of reach
Not able to be touched or obtained; beyond one's capacity.
"The candy was kept out of reach of the children."
within reach
Close enough to be touched or obtained.
"The goal was within reach."
reach a conclusion
To come to a decision after considering information or evidence.
"After careful consideration, the committee reached a conclusion."
reach out
To attempt to communicate or help someone.
"The organization reached out to the homeless community."
From Old English *ræcan* (verb), from Proto-Germanic *raikijaną*. The noun evolved later, derived from the verb.
The word 'reach' has been used since Old English to describe the action of extending or extending one's body. Over time, the meaning expanded to include achieving goals or communicating with others.
Memory tip
Think of stretching your hand out to grab a cookie.
Word Origin
"to stretch out, extend"