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.
proper: The Supreme Court will ensure that the proper procedures have been followed.
apt: …an apt description of the situation.
ap|pro|pria|tion /əproʊ prie I ʃ ə n/ (appropriations )
1 N‑COUNT An appropriation is an amount of money that a government or organization reserves for a particular purpose. [FORMAL ] □ The government raised defence appropriations by 12 per cent.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Appropriation of something that belongs to someone else is the act of taking it, usually without having the right to do so. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] Other charges include fraud and illegal appropriation of land.
ap|prov|al ◆◇◇ /əpruː v ə l/ (approvals )
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] If you win someone's approval for something that you ask for or suggest, they agree to it. □ The chairman has also given his approval for an investigation into the case. □ The proposed modifications met with widespread approval.
2 N‑VAR Approval is a formal or official statement that something is acceptable. □ The testing and approval of new drugs will be speeded up.
3 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] If someone or something has your approval , you like and admire them. □ His son had an obsessive drive to gain his father's approval. PRAGMATICS approval