a way of dealing with somebody/something; a way of doing or thinking about something such as a problem or a task
She took the wrong approach in her dealings with them.
It was time to take a different approach.
an alternative/innovative approach
a traditional/similar approach
The approach they were using no longer seemed to work.
approach to something We need to adopt a new approach to the problem.
The therapy takes a holistic approach to health and well-being.
approach for something a variety of approaches for the treatment of depression
approach for doing something Will this be a successful approach for providing high-tech offices?
movement nearer to somebody/something in distance or time
She hadn't heard his approach and jumped as the door opened.
the approach of spring
They felt apprehensive about the approach of war.
The children fell silent at the approach of their teacher.
the act of speaking to somebody about something, especially when making an offer or a request
The club has made an approach to a local company for sponsorship.
We've received an approach from the director of a rival company.
attempts to start a personal or sexual relationship with somebody
She resented his persistent approaches.
a path, road, etc. that leads to a place
All the approaches to the palace were guarded by troops.
a new approach road to the port
The approach to the village was very pretty.
the part of an aircraft’s flight immediately before landing
to begin the final approach to the runway
The aircraft had to make a steep approach to the landing strip.
a thing that is like something else that is mentioned
That's the nearest approach to an apology you'll get from him.
if you use the carrot and stick approach, you persuade somebody to try harder by offering them a reward if they do, or a punishment if they do not
The emphasis is on the carrot of incentive rather than the stick of taxes.
to come near to somebody/something in distance or time
We could hear the train approaching.
Winter is approaching.
The deadline was fast approaching.
The rapidly approaching storm could be seen on the horizon.
approach somebody/something She's approaching the end of her first year in the job.
I was approached by a woman who asked for the time.
The house is approached via a long driveway.
approach (somebody/something) from… The men approached the creature cautiously from behind.
to speak to somebody about something, especially to ask them for something or to offer to do something
approach somebody We have been approached by a number of companies that are interested in our product.
I'd like to ask his opinion but I find him difficult to approach (= not easy to talk to in a friendly way).
approach somebody for something She was often approached for help and advice.
approach somebody about something We have approached the company about the possibility of a merger.
approach somebody about doing something Have you approached John about organizing a concert?
approach somebody to do something She was approached to take part in the event.
to come close to something in amount, level or quality
Interest rates are approaching zero.
profits approaching 30 million dollars
Few writers approach his richness of language.
to start dealing with a problem, task, etc. in a particular way
to approach a subject/matter/task/question
What's the best way to approach this problem?
The issues should be approached with caution.
