Reach Meaning
Reach Definition & Usage
To extend or stretch out towards something in order to touch, grab, or achieve it.
Examples
- "She reached for the book on the top shelf."
- "I couldn’t reach the top of the tree to fix the branch."
- "He reached across the table to grab the salt shaker."
- "The child reached out to her mother, seeking comfort."
- "They reached for the stars in their ambitious project."
To achieve or arrive at a particular point, level, or goal.
Examples
- "The company has reached new heights in sales this quarter."
- "She reached her goal weight after months of hard work."
- "We finally reached an agreement after hours of negotiation."
- "The athlete reached the final in the competition."
- "The team reached the summit after a long and difficult climb."
To make contact with someone, usually by phone, email, or another communication medium.
Examples
- "I’ve been trying to reach you all day, but your phone was off."
- "Please reach out to me if you have any questions."
- "She reached her friend through a video call."
- "The manager will reach out to you to discuss the next steps."
- "I need to reach the customer support team for assistance."
To connect with someone on an emotional or intellectual level.
Examples
- "The movie reached me deeply; I couldn’t stop thinking about it."
- "The speaker’s words reached the audience’s hearts."
- "I never thought I could reach him, but he finally understood."
- "Her story reached me in a way no other story ever did."
- "He was able to reach the students with his motivational speech."
Cultural Context
The verb 'reach' has a wide range of meanings in English, from physical stretching to emotional connection. Its roots trace back to the Old French 'recherchier' (to seek) and the Latin 'recercare' (to search or pursue), which gives the word a sense of effort, striving, and attaining. Over time, 'reach' evolved to include both physical actions (stretching or extending) and abstract concepts (such as achieving goals or making contact).
The Long Climb to the Summit
Story
The Long Climb to the Summit
Anna had always dreamed of hiking to the top of Mount Greystone. It wasn’t just the challenge that called to her, but the feeling of achievement that would come when she finally reached the summit. The path was steep and rugged, the air thinning as she climbed higher. But Anna was determined. Each time she paused for a breath, she reached into her backpack for water, her hands trembling slightly from the exhaustion, but she kept going. She could almost hear her coach’s voice in her head: 'You can reach the top if you keep moving forward.' Hours passed, and her legs were sore, but the view ahead was breathtaking. The summit was within reach now, just a few more meters. When she finally reached the top, her heart swelled with pride. She had reached more than just the peak; she had reached a new level of determination within herself. As she caught her breath, her phone buzzed. She reached into her pocket and saw a text from her friend Emily: 'I’ve been trying to reach you all day! You made it?' Anna smiled, typing back quickly: 'I made it. Finally reached the top.' Down the mountain, Anna could sense that she had reached a new understanding of herself. The climb had tested her physically, but it had also reached into her heart, teaching her patience and perseverance in ways that words could not describe. She had reached the summit, yes, but more importantly, she had reached a new sense of inner strength.
Related Words
