Reach: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when you arrive at a place or point, physically or metaphorically.

• We reached the summit after a long hike.
• He finally reached his goal of becoming a doctor.

Used for successfully attaining a high standard or significant goal, usually after hard work.

• He achieved great success in his career.
• The team achieved a remarkable victory.

Used for reaching a particular level, score, or status, often implying effort over time.

• She attained a high level of expertise in her field.
• He attained the rank of general.

Used for successfully completing a task or goal, often implying effort and skill.

• She accomplished her mission to start her own business.
• They accomplished the project on time.

Used for becoming fully aware of something as a fact or achieving something you had thought of or planned.

• She realized her childhood dream of becoming a pilot.
• He suddenly realized the solution to the problem.

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.

• I tried to reach you earlier, but your phone was off.
• We finally reached the top of the mountain after a long hike.

Formal or business-like way to indicate initiating communication, often through email or phone. It can imply the first point of interaction.

• Please contact our customer service if you have any issues.
• I need to contact my lawyer before making any decisions.

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.

• I feel like I really connect with my new co-workers.
• Make sure to connect your laptop to the Wi-Fi before the meeting.

More informal and friendly way to suggest reaching out to someone. It's often used in personal or casual contexts.

• I'll get in touch with Sarah to see if she's free this weekend.
• Could you get in touch with your brother and ask him to call me?

Use when talking about the ability to stretch out or extend to a specific point or achieve a particular goal.

• She couldn't reach the top shelf
• The company's products reach consumers worldwide

Use when expressing the area, length, or scope of something often abstract like damage or influence.

• The extent of the damage was not fully understood until later
• She was amazed at the extent of his knowledge

Use when describing the variety or scope of different things within certain limits; often used with products, abilities, or mountains.

• The price range for the cars is between $10,000 and $50,000
• The mountain range extends for miles

Use when talking about the breadth or focus of an activity, subject, or project.

• The scope of the research includes both historical and contemporary data
• The new project is outside the scope of this department

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.

• The stadium has a seating capacity of 50,000
• She has the capacity to handle complex tasks