Reaching Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reaching

[ˈriːtʃɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

goal

The act of arriving at a destination or achieving a goal.

Synonyms

accomplishing, achieving, attaining.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reaching	Suitable for physical destinations or metaphorical goals. Often implies effort or a process of getting to a certain point. She is reaching her hand out to help. After years of study, he is reaching a new level of expertise.
achieving	Generally used with goals or standards, usually implying effort and success. Often involves a significant level of effort or skill. He is achieving his dream of running a marathon. The team is achieving their targets this quarter.
attaining	Typically refers to gaining possession or reaching a specific state, often with a sense of formality or difficulty. She is attaining a level of fluency in Spanish. He is attaining the highest rank in the organization.
accomplishing	Used when referring to completing a task successfully. Emphasis is on the success and completion of an activity. She is accomplishing her goal of becoming an engineer. They are accomplishing great things with their new project.

Examples of usage

After months of hard work, he was finally reaching his dream of becoming a doctor.
The hikers were reaching the summit of the mountain.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

contact

Extending one's arm or hand in order to touch or grasp something.

Synonyms

extending, grasping, stretching.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reaching	Used when you are trying to get to or touch something by extending your arm or hand. She was reaching for the book on the top shelf. He is reaching out to grab the doorknob.
extending	Used when you are making something longer or increasing its length, often used in formal or technical contexts. The bridge is extending over the river. He is extending his stay for another week.
stretching	Used when you are making something longer or wider by pulling it, often used in physical activities or exercises. The cat is stretching its body after a nap. She is stretching her arms before the run.
grasping	Used when you are seizing or holding something firmly with your hand, can have a negative connotation when referring to understanding with difficulty. She was grasping the rope tightly. He is grasping the concept slowly.

Examples of usage

She reached for the book on the top shelf.
He reached out to shake her hand.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'reaching'

The word 'reaching' originates from the Old English word 'ræcan', meaning 'to extend one's arm'. Over time, it evolved to encompass the concept of achieving a goal or arriving at a destination. The verb form 'reach' has been used in English since the 12th century.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,595, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2592 varying
2593 utility
2594 prominent
2595 reaching
2596 gun
2597 entering
2598 ton
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