Reach Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
reach
[riหtส ]
Definitions
to achieve something
To reach means to achieve or accomplish something that has been aimed for. It can refer to physical distance, goals, or objectives. Reaching implies successfully attaining a desired outcome or destination.
Synonyms
accomplish, achieve, attain, realize.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reach |
Used when you arrive at a place or point, physically or metaphorically.
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| achieve |
Used for successfully attaining a high standard or significant goal, usually after hard work.
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| attain |
Used for reaching a particular level, score, or status, often implying effort over time.
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| accomplish |
Used for successfully completing a task or goal, often implying effort and skill.
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| realize |
Used for becoming fully aware of something as a fact or achieving something you had thought of or planned.
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Examples of usage
- I finally reached my goal of running a marathon.
- She reached the summit of the mountain after a long hike.
- They reached a compromise after hours of negotiation.
- We need to reach a decision by the end of the day.
to make contact with someone
To reach also means to make contact with someone, either physically or through communication. It can involve reaching out to someone for help, support, or connection.
Synonyms
connect, contact, get in touch with.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reach |
Used when trying to communicate with someone, especially over the phone or with an effort to connect over a long distance. It can also be used to indicate physically arriving at a place.
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| contact |
Formal or business-like way to indicate initiating communication, often through email or phone. It can imply the first point of interaction.
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| connect |
Often used to describe making a deeper or more meaningful interaction with someone. It can also refer to establishing a network connection or linking devices.
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| get in touch with |
More informal and friendly way to suggest reaching out to someone. It's often used in personal or casual contexts.
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Examples of usage
- I'll reach out to him to discuss the project.
- She reached out to her friends for emotional support.
- Don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.
the extent or limit of one's physical or mental grasp
As a noun, reach refers to the extent or limit of one's physical or mental grasp. It can describe the distance within one's physical capability to stretch or the range of one's influence or understanding.
Synonyms
capacity, extent, range, scope.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reach |
Use when talking about the ability to stretch out or extend to a specific point or achieve a particular goal.
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| extent |
Use when expressing the area, length, or scope of something often abstract like damage or influence.
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| range |
Use when describing the variety or scope of different things within certain limits; often used with products, abilities, or mountains.
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| scope |
Use when talking about the breadth or focus of an activity, subject, or project.
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| capacity |
Use when referring to the maximum amount that something can contain or accommodate; also used in terms of a person's ability to do something.
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Examples of usage
- He couldn't reach the top shelf due to his height.
- The company's reach extends to international markets.
- The book broadened her reach of knowledge.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- In psychological terms, reaching for goals is linked to motivation and ambition.
- Studies show that setting high 'reach' goals can lead to better performance as individuals strive to achieve more.
- The concept of 'reach' can also relate to social connections, emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships.
Pop Culture
- 'Reach' is often used in songs and movies to symbolize striving for dreams and aspirations.
- Popular TV shows often depict characters 'reaching' for success, emphasizing personal growth and determination.
- The phrase 'reach for the stars' conveys a common theme in motivational speaking and literature.
Science
- In physics, 'reach' can relate to the concept of distance and how forces interact over space.
- For animals, the act of reaching can be related to survival skills, such as foraging for food.
- In ecological terms, organisms often 'reach' for resources that allow them to thrive in their environments.
Literature
- Many literary works use 'reach' metaphorically, representing characters' ambitions and struggles.
- Poets often describe 'reaching' in their verses to symbolize longing and desire.
- Classic tales frequently illustrate the concept of reaching as a hero's journey towards a goal or enlightenment.
Origin of 'reach'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old English 'reccan,' meaning 'to stretch out' or 'to extend.'
- In different languages, similar roots exist, showing a universal idea of extending or stretching.
- Historically, it was used not only for physical extension but also for understanding ideas and people.
The word 'reach' originated from Middle English 'rechen,' from Old English 'rวฃฤan' (to extend, hold out), influenced by Old Norse 'reika' (to reach, stretch). The term has evolved over time to encompass various meanings related to achievement, connection, and limits of grasp.
See also: outreach, reachable, reaching, unreachability, unreachable, unreachably.