approach

Pronunciation: /əˈprəʊtʃ/

noun

Difficulty: common

Definition of approach

A manner or strategy for addressing or dealing with a situation, problem, or task, often involving careful thought or planning.

Origin of approach

Language of origin: Old French

Root word: aprochier

Original meaning: to come near

How it evolved: Initially used to describe physical proximity, the word later expanded to include conceptual closeness, such as a way or method of addressing ideas or problems.

Derived from Middle English 'approchen,' meaning to come near or closer, the word evolved to also signify a method or way of dealing with something.

First known use: 14th century

How to Remember approach

Imagine a path leading up to a problem—your chosen method, or 'approach,' is how you walk that path to resolve the issue.

Synonyms for approach

Antonyms of approach

  • avoidance
  • neglect
  • disregard
  • abandonment

approach in a Sentence

  1. Her innovative approach to solving the environmental crisis garnered widespread recognition among policymakers.
  2. The professor's approach to teaching calculus emphasized real-world applications, making the subject more approachable for students.
  3. Adopting a systematic approach ensured the research team addressed every aspect of the complex problem.

approach in Literature & Culture

The concept of 'approach' is central to many famous quotes and speeches, such as Winston Churchill's strategic approaches to wartime leadership and Martin Luther King Jr.'s approach to peaceful protest.

Usage Notes

The word 'approach' can be used to describe both physical movement towards something and abstract strategies for addressing issues. Be mindful of the context to avoid confusion.

Why approach Matters for GRE & SAT

Understanding nuanced synonyms and antonyms of 'approach' is essential for answering vocabulary and reading comprehension questions effectively on the GRE.

Word Family

approachable (adjective)
Capable of being approached; friendly or accessible.
approaching (verb)
Coming near in distance or time.
approachability (noun)
The quality of being easy to approach or accessible.

Did You Know?

  • The word 'approach' was once exclusively used for physical movement, but now it is more commonly associated with abstract strategies or methods.
  • In aviation, 'approach' refers to the final phase of flight as a plane descends to land, showcasing its technical application in specialized fields.
  • The word frequently appears in self-help literature, emphasizing the importance of a positive approach to life’s challenges.
  • proximity
  • abate — decrease in intensity; lessen
  • aberrant — deviating from what is normal or expected
  • aberration — A departure from what is normal or expected
  • abet — assist or encourage, usually in wrongdoing
  • abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
  • abhor — detest or regard with deep hatred
  • abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
  • abject — most unfortunate or miserable

More Vocabulary Words Starting with A

  • abate — decrease in intensity; lessen
  • aberrant — deviating from what is normal or expected
  • aberration — A departure from what is normal or expected
  • abet — assist or encourage, usually in wrongdoing
  • abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
  • abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
  • abhor — detest or regard with deep hatred
  • abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
  • abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
  • abject — most unfortunate or miserable

Learned in