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approach

approach

5 3.4
A polite first request or offer to someone
  • noun
  • /əˈproʊtʃ/
: acercamiento
  • They presented their approach for negotiating the terms of the contract.

How was your first approach with her?

Examples

  • States in the region took different approaches to solve this problem.

    Academic text (2003)
  • And I shared with her this whole new approach to her character.

  • So is this the right approach for the markets right now?

  • So the best approach always is to talk to the man.

  • And what questions does this model or approach raise for you?

  • But she is ready, willing, and able to change her approach to living.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • And this is where his approach is actually quite distinctive.

  • I prefer to collect my data with a more scientific approach.

  • Indeed, the Clinton approach to economic security was widely supported in elite circles.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Indeed, BP took exactly that approach when negotiating the Seafood Compensation Program.

    Academic text (2017)

Synonyms

proposal
vsapproach
837 2.9

A plan or suggestion put forward for others to consider

is more tentative and aimed at eliciting a quick response or starting contact
suggestion
vsapproach
602 1.4

An idea or plan offered for others to consider

is specifically tentative and meant to prompt a response or start a relationship
advance
vsapproach
  • NSFW
49 7.0

An attempt to start a romantic or sexual relationship

is used more generally to begin talks or relationships, not only romantic attempts
overture
vsapproach
  • Formal
21 6.8

A first polite offer to start talks

covers starting negotiations or relationships as well as eliciting a response
feeler
vsapproach
13 6.9

A small suggestion to test how people will react

is aimed more at opening talks or starting a relationship than just testing feelings

Compounds

A different way of doing something that no one else uses

A strategy that tries many different things at the same time

approach shot
  • Specialized
1 6.1

A short golf shot hit to land the ball on the putting green

A way of using math to study or solve problems

landing approach
  • Specialized
1 4.4

A path a plane follows as it comes down to land

approach pattern
  • Specialized
1 6.5

A path a plane follows while preparing to land at an airport

A practical, strict way to handle problems to get results

approach path
  • Specialized
1 5.5

The route a plane follows when going down to land, especially the last part before it touches the ground

A method with two levels that do different things

A calm and sensible way of thinking in difficult or stressful situations

A fixed, routine way of doing something that lacks creativity

A very strict way of managing people and enforcing rules

A way of looking at something too simply that misses important details

A quick, careless way of doing something that causes mistakes

A general way of dealing with something that ignores small details

Using two different actions at the same time to reach a goal

A policy that prefers talks and peaceful solutions instead of force in foreign or economic affairs

A way of doing things that uses people or resources only when needed

1 8.6

An old, rough way of doing something that ignores modern methods

1 8.2

A different, slightly strange way of doing something to get new ideas

A passionate, persuasive way of telling people about ideas or beliefs

A very risky way of acting that can harm yourself or others

An aggressive, unfair way of trying to gain an advantage over others in business

cazh approach
  • Informal
9.9

A relaxed, informal way of doing things without strict rules

9.9

A way of doing things that is stubborn and refuses to change

A way of doing something that avoids a direct answer or clear action

A way of doing things that encourages competition and rewards only the strongest

A shallow, amateur way of doing something without deep commitment

A way of acting that uses little effort

9.3

An overly academic way of solving problems that is impractical

To use all available resources and keep nothing in reserve

A way of working that uses too many rules, meetings, and paperwork

arty approach
  • Informal
7.2

A creative, slightly showy way of making things look unusual or special

approach trench
  • Specialized
8.9

A narrow trench that lets soldiers move from rear to front safely

A rude name for a libertarian policy seen as foolish

longtail approach
  • Specialized
8.6

A business method that sells many different products to small groups instead of a few big markets

A way of studying many things that makes differences seem very large

A way of doing things guided by one person or idea

A way of doing things that includes many cultures in schools and communities

9.9

A way of supporting freedom that looks simple but ignores real problems

7.5

A way controllers use radar to guide pilots by radio to land in low visibility

A way of acting that people see as typical of men

8.8

A way of doing things that refuses change and new ideas

idiographic approach
  • Specialized
9.9

An approach that studies each person or case in detail to understand their unique experience

To treat an adult like a child without a good reason

A strict way of leading that shows little patience

A personal, creative way of thinking often used by people with autism or ADHD

A way of arguing that acts doubtful but does not check new evidence fairly

9.9

A method that looks scientific but has no real evidence

9.9

A method that uses numbers and data to study a problem or trend

9.1

A way of thinking that supports conservative political ideas

9.9

A style of rule like the Pope's with strong central control and religious power

9.9

A focus on small local issues and interests instead of wider public needs

9.9

A way of speaking or acting that sounds moral and like a preacher

An overly hopeful way of dealing with problems that ignores bad signs

9.1

A person who appears briefly, makes quick changes, and gives no further help

Sunyavadi approach
  • Specialized
9.9

A Buddhist way of thinking that teaches letting go of attachments to find inner calm

Stalinoid approach
  • Literature
9.9

A strict, unfair way of leading that does not allow people to disagree

8.2

A very slow way of doing something that wastes time

How Direct

proposal
837 2.9
approach
5 3.4
suggestion
602 1.4

Surface Forms

approach singular
approaches plural

Etymology

Approach comes from Latin parts ad- 'to' and prope 'near', which gives the picture of making a first move toward someone. So an approach can be a tentative offer or suggestion meant to begin a talk or relationship.