All 50 Uses of
approach
in
The Swiss Family Robinson
- Thus chatting, we at length approached my pretty wood.
Chpt 3approached = moved toward
- As the shades of night approached, we made haste to conclude the day's work, by preparing the kangaroo, part for immediate use, and part for salting.
Chpt 4 *approached = got near
- I knew not whether he was aware, by instinct, of the approach of some fierce wild beast.
Chpt 7approach = coming
- Our passage, though tedious, was safe; but the nearer we approached the shore the less inviting it appeared; the barren rocks seemed to threaten us with misery and want.†
Chpt 1
- The little fellow stood screaming in a deep pool, and as I approached, I saw that a huge lobster had caught his leg in its powerful claw.†
Chpt 1
- Turk behaved the same, and I found it necessary to call with my own voice to induce them to approach us.†
Chpt 2
- We approached to examine them, and I recognized them as calabash trees, the fruit of which grows in this curious way on the stems, and is a species of gourd, from the hard rind of which bowls, spoons, and bottles can be made.†
Chpt 2
- They were taken by surprise completely, and the dog, now really ravenous from hunger, had seized one, and was fiercely tearing it to pieces before we could approach the spot.†
Chpt 2
- Juno was the first to be aware of our approach, and gave notice of it by loud barking, to which Turk replied with such hearty goodwill, that his little rider, terrified at the noise his steed was making, slipped from under the cord and fled to his refuge on Fritz's shoulder, where he regained his composure and settled himself comfortably.†
Chpt 2
- We did not, however, long enjoy this repose; a loud barking from our dogs, who were on guard outside the tent, awakened us, and the fluttering and cackling of our poultry warned us that a foe was approaching.†
Chpt 2
- Our first care was to see to the animals, who greeted us with joy—lowing, bellowing, and bleating as we approached—not that the poor beasts were hungry, for they were all still well supplied with food, but they were apparently pleased by the mere sight of human beings.†
Chpt 2
- While thus employed, we caught sight of a sail which appeared to be merrily approaching the shore beyond the cliffs.†
Chpt 3
- Fritz was steering, and we had no sooner passed beyond the islet at the entrance of the bay, so as to come in sight of its seaward beach, than we were astonished to see a countless multitude of sea-birds, gulls and others, which rose like a cloud into the air, disturbed by our approach, and deafened us by their wild and screaming cries.†
Chpt 3
- Juno strongly objected to his friendly approaches, and got out of his way so fast as she could; and it was clear that he would easily put to flight the fiercest animal he might encounter, while protected by armour at once defensive and offensive.†
Chpt 4
- Master Knips fully intended to mount his charger as usual; but when he saw him arrayed apparently in a new skin, he approached him carefully, and touching him with one paw, discovered that such a hide would make anything but an agreeable seat; the grimace he made was most comical, and chattering vociferously he bounded towards Juno, skipped on her back, seated himself, and soon appeared perfectly reconciled to the change of steed.†
Chpt 4
- Then handing it back, he begged me to examine the object; which I soon discovered to be a turtle asleep on the water, and of course unconscious of our approach.†
Chpt 5
- As we were by no means far from Falconhurst, Fritz gave notice of our approach by firing off his gun, as well as shouting loudly in his glee; and, while we were yet engaged in securing our boats and getting the turtle on shore, the whole family appeared in the distance hastening eagerly towards us; and our new prize, together with the well-laden boat and raft, excited the liveliest interest; my wife's chief pleasure, however, consisted in seeing us safely back, as our night's absence had disturbed her, and she was horrified by the description of our dangerous run in the wake of the fugitive turtle.†
Chpt 5
- Approaching the tree, not a sound was to be heard, not a soul was to be seen, although it was broad day; and great was my good wife's surprise, when, roused by the clatter and hullabaloo I made, she started up, and became aware of the late hour!†
Chpt 5
- To Jack the pleasure of hunting about in the hold, was novel and charming, and very soon a tremendous rattling and clattering heralded his approach with a wheelbarrow, in the highest spirits at his good fortune in having found such a capital thing in which to bring home potatoes.†
Chpt 5
- We were gradually approaching the land as I spoke, and no sooner was the water shallow, than out sprang Jack from his tub, and wading ashore, took the unsuspecting birds by surprise, and with his stick laid half a dozen, right and left, either stunned or dead at his feet.†
Chpt 5
- The unusual noise of our approach set the dogs barking furiously, but discovering us, they rushed forward with such forcible demonstrations of delight, that poor little Jack, who, as it was, could scarcely manage his barrow, was fairly upset, penguins and all.†
Chpt 5
- Now, as sunset approaches, we must return to the tent for supper and rest, for both of which we are all quite ready.'†
Chpt 6
- 'What has Fritz shot?' cried the boys, starting up at our approach.†
Chpt 6
- As it approached within reach, Jack hit at it boldly, when it suddenly dropped the remaining distance, and opening its great claws, sidled after him with considerable rapidity, upon which he fairly turned tail and ran.†
Chpt 6
- I first attached a cord and running-noose to a stout stick, and holding a light switch in my other hand, I began to approach the creature with soft, slow steps, while the boys looked on with the utmost curiosity.†
Chpt 6
- As we approached Falconhurst I noticed that several young trees in our avenue were considerably bent by the wind, and this resolved me to make an expedition next day to cut bamboos for their support.†
Chpt 7
- There was no mistaking those dulcet tones—hee-haw, hee-haw, hee-haw, resounded through the forest, and our ass braying his approach right merrily appeared in sight.†
Chpt 8
- Silently we watched the animals as they approached, quietly browsing; Fritz then rose, holding in one hand the noose, and in the other some oats and salt.†
Chpt 8
- The stranger, on seeing Fritz, started back; but finding her companion show no signs of alarm, was reassured, and soon approached sniffing, and was about to take some of the tempting food.†
Chpt 8
- I then approached: she suffered me to lead her to the roots of our tree, which for the present formed our stables, and there I tied her up close to the donkey, who was likewise prevented from playing truant.†
Chpt 8
- When I came to myself I explained to them the danger of approaching any cavern or other place where the air has for a long time been stagnant.†
Chpt 9
- The opening in the trunk of the tree I determined to conceal with bark, as less likely to attract the notice of wild beasts or savages should they approach during our absence.†
Chpt 9
- As we were one morning approaching Tentholm, we were attracted by a most curious phenomenon.†
Chpt 9
- The shining, sparkling mass then rolled onwards, and approached in a direct line our bay, followed by the feathered flock above.†
Chpt 9
- I was convinced as we approached that it was a shoal or bank of herrings.†
Chpt 9
- A tremendous flock of feathered thieves rose as we approached.†
Chpt 9
- We approached nearer and found he was right—soft fine wool enclosed in pods, and still hanging on the bushes or lying on the ground, abounded in every direction.†
Chpt 9
- 'We thought now was our time to get a shot at the cranes and cautiously approached; but they were too cunning to let themselves be surprised, and we came unexpectedly upon their outposts or sentinels, who instantly sprang into the air uttering loud trumpet-like cries, upon which the whole flock arose and followed them with a rush like a sudden squall of wind.†
Chpt 9
- Very early in the morning we heard a confused noise, such as we knew betokened the approach of a large number of apes.†
Chpt 10
- Everything heralded the approaching rains.†
Chpt 10
- Before coming in sight of the cottage at the farm, we heard the cocks crow, and I experienced a sudden rush of emotion as the sound recalled in a degree painfully vivid, the recollection of many a ride and walk at home, when we would be greeted by just such familiar sounds as we approached some kind friend's house.†
Chpt 11
- Calling on my sons to maintain their courage and presence of mind, I left our retreat with a feeling of joyous emotion quite new to me, and approached with rapid steps and levelled gun, the outstretched form of the serpent.†
Chpt 11
- Directing our course towards Woodlands, we saw many traces of the serpent's approach to Rockburg.†
Chpt 12
- We disturbed several of these creatures in their pursuit of birds and small game, but they fled at our approach.†
Chpt 12
- As the ostriches approached, we began to consider in what way we should attempt a capture.†
Chpt 12
- The ostriches continued to come in our direction, varying their pace as though in sport, springing, trotting, galloping and chasing each other round and round, so that their approach was by no means rapid.†
Chpt 12
- Seeing all safe, Jack raised a shout of victory, that poor Ernest might gain courage to approach the scene of conflict, which at last he did, and joined us in examining the dangerous animals, as they lay motionless before us.†
Chpt 12
- Chapter 13 As evening approached, the bears' paws, which were stewing for supper, sent forth savoury odours; and we sat talking round the fire, while listening anxiously for sounds heralding the return of our young explorers.†
Chpt 13
- They approached us with incredible swiftness, and were within gun-shot before they perceived us.†
Chpt 13
- The other ostriches were almost out of sight, so leaving them to their own devices we leaped from our steeds and attempted to approach the captured bird.†
Chpt 13
Definitions:
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(1)
(approach as in: approached the city) to get closer to (near in space, time, quantity, or quality)
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(2)
(approach as in: use the best approach) a way of doing something; or a route that leads to a particular place
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(3)
(approach as in: approached her with the proposal) to begin communication with someone about something -- often a proposal or a delicate topic
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(4)
(meaning too rare to warrant focus) More rarely (and typically only in classic literature), the phrase nearest approach to as used in "her nearest approach to an apology" or "her nearest approach to a smile" typically means that "something is as close to something else as it ever gets." "As near an approach to" can have a similar meaning.