approaching
Definitions
Coming nearer in time or space; soon to arrive.
（时间或空间上）正在临近的；即将到来的。
Nearly; coming close to (a number, age, or level).
接近，将近（某个数字、年龄或水平）。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedap- (ad-, toward) + proach (prope, near) + -ing. 'Approach' literally means to move near; its -ing form works as an adjective for something drawing near in time or space ('the approaching storm'), and as a preposition meaning 'nearly' ('approaching 50'). Both senses are just 'getting close.'
Root prox still carries 3 more wordsUsage Guide
Two distinct uses. As an adjective it sits before a noun: the approaching train, approaching winter. As a preposition (really the participle of the verb) it means 'almost reaching': temperatures approaching 40 degrees, a crowd approaching ten thousand. Don't confuse 'the approaching X' (X is coming) with 'approaching X' as a number (close to that figure).
Example Sentences
- 1.
Drivers slowed down as they noticed the approaching ambulance.
- 2.
With the approaching deadline, the whole team worked late.
- 3.
She is approaching 60 but still runs every morning.