approach
gb/əpɹˈoʊt͡ʃ/ us/əpɹˈoʊt͡ʃ/
A2
English
~ 1400
közeledik, megkeres, megszólít, módszer, megközelítés, közeledés
VERB
A2
1
közeledik
B1
Usage pattern:
to approach [someone/something]
The train slowly approached the station.
A vonat lassan közeledett az állomáshoz.
As winter approached, the days grew shorter.
Ahogy közeledett a tél, egyre rövidebbek lettek a nappalok.
She approached the counter to ask a question.
A storm is approaching from the west.
Learner examples
The bus is approaching the stop.
A busz közeledik a megállóhoz.
My birthday is approaching.
Közeledik a születésnapom.
He is approaching the house.
A car is approaching us.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'approach' with 'reach'; 'approach' means getting closer but not necessarily arriving.
Meaning
Move nearer to someone or something
Collocations
approach the door
|approach the intersection
|approach the finish line
|approach a person
Synonyms
near (Less formal and often used more generally for physical closeness.)
Antonyms
retreat (Means to move away from something, often the opposite of approaching physically.)
Themes
movement
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
|space
|travel
Definition
To move closer to a person, place, or event in space or time.
To come nearer in distance or time to someone or something.
VERB
B1
2
Usage pattern:
to approach [someone] about [something]
I approached my boss about taking some time off.
Megkerestem a főnökömet pár nap szabadság ügyében.
She approached the guard to ask for directions.
Megszólította az őrt, hogy útbaigazítást kérjen.
They approached the professor with their concerns.
Learner examples
I approached my teacher after class.
Óra után megkerestem a tanáromat.
He approached me to ask for help.
Megkeresett, hogy segítséget kérjen.
We approached the man for directions.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this with 'address' meaning 'to speak publicly' rather than personally.
Meaning
Start talking to someone for a reason
Collocations
approach a colleague
|approach a stranger
|approach a teacher about homework
Synonyms
contact (More general and can include phone, email, or other indirect methods.)
Antonyms
avoid (Means to keep away from someone and not speak to them.)
Themes
communication
|social
|relationships
|business
Definition
To go to someone and start talking for a reason.
To begin talking to someone, especially to make a request, offer help, or start a discussion.
NOUN
B1
3
módszer
B1
megközelítés
B2
Usage pattern:
an approach to [something]
We need a different approach to solve this problem.
Más megközelítésre van szükségünk, hogy megoldjuk ezt a problémát.
Her approach to teaching is very interactive.
A tanítási módszere nagyon interaktív.
This approach has been successful in other countries.
Learner examples
I like his approach to learning.
Tetszik a tanulási módszere.
We need a new approach to fix it.
Új módszerre van szükségünk, hogy megjavítsuk.
Her approach works well.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'approach' (noun) with 'attitude', which refers more to feelings than methods.
Meaning
A method of doing something
Collocations
take an approach
|use a new approach
|a practical approach
Synonyms
method (A more general term for an ordered way of doing something.)
Antonyms
avoidance (Refers to not dealing with something at all.)
Themes
work
|problem-solving
|core_vocabulary
|education
|business
Definition
A way of doing or thinking about something.
A particular way or method of dealing with a situation or problem.
NOUN
B2
4
közeledés
B1
The approach of night made them hurry.
Az éjszaka közeledése miatt sietniük kellett.
We watched the plane's approach from the balcony.
Az erkélyről figyeltük a repülő közeledését.
The approach of the deadline put everyone under pressure.
Learner examples
The approach of summer makes me happy.
Boldoggá tesz a nyár közeledése.
We saw the car's approach.
Láttuk az autó közeledését.
The approach of rain made us run home.
Meaning
The act of moving closer
Collocations
the approach of winter
|the plane's approach
|the enemy's approach
Synonyms
advance (Often implies purposeful forward movement, especially in military contexts.)
Antonyms
withdrawal (Refers to moving away from something.)
Themes
movement
|time
|core_vocabulary
|space
|travel
Definition
When something gets closer in place or time.
The act or process of coming nearer in distance or time to someone or something.
Grammar
Dictionary form
approach
IPA
GB/əpɹˈoʊt͡ʃ/
US/əpɹˈoʊt͡ʃ/
Syllables & stress
ap - proach (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (proach)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: approach
- Plural: approach, approaches
Verb
- Base: approach
- 3rd Person Singular: approaches
- Present Participle: approaching
- Past: approached
Word family
Forms
approaches
noun
approaching
verb
approached
verb
Core family
approachable
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
unapproachable
adjective
Advanced or less common
approachability
noun
Expressions
approaching deadline
1/əpɹˈoʊt͡ʃɪŋ dˈɛdlˌaɪn/
fixed phrase
Deadline that is coming soon
A final date or time that is very near now.
Examples
- With the approaching deadline, everyone worked late into the night.
- She felt stressed by the approaching deadline for her project.
make an approach
1/mˈeɪk ən əpɹˈoʊt͡ʃ/
fixed phrase
Try to start contact with someone
To try to talk to someone for a reason, often politely or formally.
Examples
- He decided to make an approach to his manager about a pay raise.
- They made an approach to the company for sponsorship.
approach with caution
1/əpɹˈoʊt͡ʃ wˈɪθ kˈɔʃən/
fixed phrase
Handle carefully because of risk
To be careful when dealing with something that could be dangerous or difficult.
Examples
- Police advised residents to approach the suspect with caution.
- Any new investment should be approached with caution.
approach with caution
2/əpɹˈoʊt͡ʃ wˈɪθ kˈɔʃən/
fixed phrase
deal with something very carefully
To be very careful when you start to deal with something, because it may be difficult or risky.
Examples
- These claims should be approached with caution until more evidence appears.
- Investors are approaching the new cryptocurrency with caution.
- Any unfamiliar dog should be approached with caution.