Definition

1. Verb (Phrasal Verb):
   • To attempt to make contact or communicate with someone, often to offer help, support, or to connect emotionally. This meaning focuses on initiating communication, especially when there is a perceived distance or need.
   • To stretch out or extend a body part, typically an arm or hand, in order to touch, grasp, or signal. This meaning describes a physical movement.
   • To extend or stretch outward in space. This meaning describes the physical extension of an object.

Examples of Usage

• Attempting to communicate:
  • After the argument, she decided to reach out and apologize.
  • The charity reaches out to vulnerable communities.
• Extending a body part:
  • He reached out and took the book from the shelf.
  • The child reached out to touch the butterfly.
• Extending in space:
  • The old tree's branches reach out over the river.

Advanced Usage

• "to reach out to someone": This is the most common construction for the communicative meaning. It implies an effort to bridge a gap.
  • The new manager is making an effort to reach out to every team member.
• "to reach out for something": This is a common construction for the physical meaning, indicating the object of the action.
  • She reached out for the glass of water.

Variants and Related Words

• Outreach (n): The activity of an organization in providing services or information to people in the community.
  • The clinic's outreach program is very effective.
• Reachable (adj): Able to be reached or contacted.
  • I will be reachable by phone all day.

Synonyms

• Contact: To communicate with someone.
• Extend: To stretch out.
• Stretch: To extend one's body or limbs.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Reach for: To stretch your arm to get or touch something.
  • He reached for his hat.
• Reach into: To put your hand into a container or space.
  • She reached into her bag to find her keys.

Related Idioms

• "Reach out a helping hand": To offer help or assistance to someone.
  • In times of crisis, it's important to reach out a helping hand to your neighbors.

Verb

1. attempt to communicate
   • I try to reach out to my daughter but she doesn't want to have anything to do with me
2. reach outward in space
   • The awning extends several feet over the sidewalk
3. move forward or upward in order to touch; also in a metaphorical sense
   • Government reaches out to the people