Reached
riːtʃt
Definitions
4 meaningsTo extend an arm in an attempt to touch, grasp, or attain something.
riːtʃ
To extend a hand or arm to touch or grasp something.
She reached for her coffee cup.
💡 Simply: Imagine you see a cookie on the counter, and you have to stretch your arm to get it. You're reaching!
👶 For kids: To stretch out your hand to get something.
More Examples
The child reached out to touch the dog.
I reached the top shelf with difficulty.
How It's Used
"He reached for the book on the shelf."
"The outfielder reached to catch the fly ball."
To arrive at or achieve a destination, goal, or point.
riːtʃ
To arrive at a destination or goal.
They reached the summit after a long climb.
💡 Simply: Think of reaching the end of your road trip. You finally arrived, you reached your destination!
👶 For kids: To get somewhere or to finish a goal.
More Examples
The email finally reached my inbox.
We reached an agreement after hours of negotiation.
How It's Used
"We reached the beach just as the sun set."
"The company reached its sales target this quarter."
To contact or communicate with someone.
riːtʃ
To communicate with someone by phone or other means.
I couldn't reach her because her phone was turned off.
💡 Simply: If you try calling your friend, and they answer, you've reached them!
👶 For kids: To talk to someone, like on the phone.
More Examples
The company is trying to reach a wider audience through social media.
Please reach me if you have any questions.
How It's Used
"I tried to reach him by phone, but there was no answer."
"Please reach out to our support team for assistance."
To extend in distance, time, or degree.
riːtʃ
To extend to a certain point or degree
The river reached the sea.
💡 Simply: Like the roots of a tree reach deep into the earth, or a rumor spreads throughout the school.
👶 For kids: To go as far as something.
More Examples
Her fame reached every corner of the world.
The temperature reached a new high yesterday.
How It's Used
"The forest reached the edge of the lake."
"His influence reached far and wide."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
reach out
To attempt to communicate or help someone.
"The organization reached out to the homeless community."
within reach
Close enough to be touched or obtained.
"The goal was within reach."
out of reach
Not able to be touched or obtained; beyond one's capacity.
"The candy was kept out of reach of the children."
From Middle English rachen, rechen, from Old English ræċċan (“to reach, stretch out, extend”), from Proto-Germanic *rakjaną (“to stretch, reach”).
The word 'reach' has been used since the Old English period, initially referring to physical actions of extending or grasping. Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of arriving, achieving, and communicating.
Memory tip
Imagine reaching for a star – you're trying to get something!
Word Origin
"to stretch out, extend"