reaching - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
reaching Word Meanings
- to stretch out one's hand towards something
- to arrive at a destination
- to achieve a goal
reaching Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
reaching Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/riːtʃ/
US
/riːtʃ/
reaching Word Etymology
The root 'reach' can be broken down into 'rea-' meaning stretch and 'ch' as a diminutive form. Originated from Old English 'rǣcan', it transitioned through Middle English to modern English. Imagine a child stretching their arms wide to reach for the highest branch on a tree, symbolizing effort and ambition.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
Feet planted, I reach out and move my hand toward the mug. The line of action shifts as my wrist turns and my fingers adjust until I can hold it. I pull the mug closer and set it down on the table. In that small sequence, reach goes from a distant idea to a moment I can touch.
Real Context
Reach is a versatile verb that covers both physical and figurative ideas. It most literally means to stretch out a hand or arm toward something in order to touch, grab, or contact it. It can also describe arriving at a destination, as in reaching a city after a journey, or reaching a particular point in time. In a broader sense, to reach a goal means to achieve or accomplish it, often requiring effort, persistence, and planning. The word invites metaphors of distance, ambition, and connection, and it appears in many common expressions such as reach out, reach for, and within reach.
Usage Reminders
- Use reach for the physical action of stretching toward something.
- Use reach to describe arriving at a destination or achieving a goal.
- Reach out to someone means contacting or offering help, not just touching.
- Use within reach and out of reach to describe accessibility.
- Common collocations: reach for, reach a conclusion, reach an agreement, reach the top.
Common Misconceptions
- Reach has only a physical sense; it can also mean achieving goals.
- Reach out means only touching someone physically.
- Don't say 'reach to' a place; use 'reach' or 'reach at' depending on context.
- Confuse 'reach for' with 'reach to' when talking about grabbing something.
- Mix up 'within reach' and 'out of reach' when discussing accessibility.
Thinking Differences
Reach blends physical action and progression toward a goal. Learners often confuse reaching a place with arriving there, and misuse 'reach out' as simple touching rather than contacting or helping. Prepositions with reach (for, to, at) can trip up learners; remember 'reach for' for grabbing and 'reach out to' for contacting.
Learning Tips
- Practice with both physical and abstract senses to solidify meaning.
- Learn the main phrasal verbs: reach for, reach out to, and reach back to.
- Use 'within reach' and 'out of reach' to describe accessibility clearly.
- Differentiate 'reach a destination' and 'reach a goal' in your sentences.
- Remember past tense 'reached' for completed actions.
- Create simple sentences to embed common collocations like 'reach a conclusion' or 'reach an agreement'.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'reaching'?
A.Succeeding in a task
B.Extending the arm to touch or grasp something
C.Creating an opportunity
D.Staying in one position
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'reaching' correctly?
A.She is reaching for the stars in her dreams.
B.He is reaching the highest point of his career.
C.They are reaching the store to buy groceries.
D.We are reaching the conclusion of the meeting.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'reaching'?
A.Stopping
B.Moving
C.Grasping
D.Pondering
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'reaching'?
A.Extending
B.Retracting
C.Approaching
D.Stretching
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where this word applies?
A.I saw a bird trying to fly high up in the sky.
B.The child attempted to grab the cookie from the top shelf.
C.The runner was exhausted after the long race.
D.The teacher explained the new concept to the class.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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