Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

4 VERB When you approach a task, problem, or situation in a particular way, you deal with it or think about it in that way. □ [V n prep/adv] The Bank has approached the issue in a practical way. □ [V n] Employers are interested in how you approach problems.

5 N‑COUNT Your approach to a task, problem, or situation is the way you deal with it or think about it. □ [+ to ] We will be exploring different approaches to gathering information.

6 VERB As a future time or event approaches , it gradually gets nearer as time passes. □ [V ] As autumn approached, the plants and colours in the garden changed. □ [V -ing] …the approaching crisis. ● N‑SING Approach is also a noun. □ [+ of ] …the festive spirit that permeated the house with the approach of Christmas.

7 VERB As you approach a future time or event, time passes so that you get gradually nearer to it. □ [V n] We approach the end of the year with the economy slowing and little sign of cheer.

8 VERB If something approaches a particular level or state, it almost reaches that level or state. □ [V n] Oil prices have approached their highest level for almost ten years. COLLOCATIONS approach NOUN 5

adjective + approach : different, fresh, innovative, positive; balanced, conservative, cautious, traditional

verb + approach : consider, favour, suggest, try; adopt; require VERB

1

approach+ noun : vehicle

approach+ adverb : cautiously, gingerly

3

approach+ noun : council

approach+ adverb : directly, formally, tentatively

4

approach+ noun : subject, task

6

noun + approach : deadline, election, holiday, summer; storm

7

approach+ noun : age, retirement SYNONYMS approach NOUN 5

method:…new teaching methods.

way:Another way of making new friends is to go to an evening class.

technique:…tests performed using a new technique.

mode:…the capitalist mode of production. VERB

1

near:As he neared the stable, he slowed the horse and patted it.

4

deal with:…the way that building societies deal with complaints.

tackle:The first reason to tackle these problems is to save children's lives.

handle:She admitted to herself she didn't know how to handle the problem.

ap|proach|able /əproʊ tʃəb ^ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as approachable , you think that they are friendly and easy to talk to. [APPROVAL ]

ap|pro|ba|tion /æ prəbe I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Approbation is approval of something or agreement to it. [FORMAL ]

ap|pro|pri|ate ◆◇◇ (appropriates , appropriating , appropriated ) The adjective is pronounced /əproʊ priət/. The verb is pronounced /əproʊ prie I t/. 1 ADJ Something that is appropriate is suitable or acceptable for a particular situation. □  Dress neatly and attractively in an outfit appropriate to the job. □  The teacher can then take appropriate action. ●  ap|pro|pri|ate|ly ADV [ADV with v] □  It's entitled, appropriately enough, 'Art for the Nation'.

2 VERB If someone appropriates something which does not belong to them, they take it, usually without the right to do so. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Several other newspapers have appropriated the idea. SYNONYMS appropriate ADJ 1

suitable:She had no other dress suitable for the occasion.

right:She'd made the right choice in leaving New York.

fitting:The President's address was a fitting end to a bitter campaign.