approach

UK: əˈprəʊtʃ | US: əˈproʊtʃ

Definition
  1. v. to come near or nearer to something in distance or time

  2. n. a way of dealing with a situation or problem

  3. n. the act of moving closer to something

Structure
ap <toward>proach <near>
Etymology

approach = ap<toward> + proach<near>

  • ap (variant of "ad," meaning "toward," from Latin ad)
  • proach (from Latin propiare, meaning "to come near," related to prope "near")

Etymology Origin:
The word "approach" originates from Old French aprochier (modern French approcher), derived from Latin appropiare, combining ad- (toward) and prope (near). It entered English in the 14th century with the sense of "coming closer physically." Over time, it expanded to metaphorical uses, such as "approaching a problem." The morphemes preserve the original Latin directional logic: moving toward nearness.

Examples
  1. The plane began its approach to the runway.

  2. She took a practical approach to solving the issue.

  3. Winter is approaching quickly.

  4. His approach to teaching is very innovative.

  5. We could see the storm approaching from the west.