Phrase guide

reach for

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To try to get (something) by extending one's arm or moving one's hand.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • In reaching for a glass he knocked over the ashtray.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To aspire to achieve.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • to reach for success

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Czech: natáhnout se — to try to get by extending one's arm or moving one's hand
  • Czech: sáhnout — to try to get by extending one's arm or moving one's hand
  • Esperanto: etendi la manon al — to try to get by extending one's arm or moving one's hand
  • German: greifen — to try to get by extending one's arm or moving one's hand
  • Irish: sroich — to try to get by extending one's arm or moving one's hand
  • Irish: sroich — to aspire to achieve