approach-v; 3 Senses

Sense Number 1: come close or near, approximate (literal and metaphorical)

Commentary:
NOTE: Metaphorical use: Come close as in appearance, quality, or condition
NOTE: Please compare carefully to sense 3. In this sense, one could not substitute "treat" for "approach", while in most cases of sense 3, such a substitution would be possible.

Examples:
We are approaching the border.
He motioned us to approach.
Winter is approaching.
I see it's approaching lunchtime, so let's take a break.
As the spring approaches, I notice people similing more.
He's very active for a man approaching 80.
The two parties are finally approaching an accord.
These statements approach libel.
The performance approaches perfection.

Mappings:
VerbNet: escape-51.1
FrameNet: Arriving
PropBank: approach.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1, 2, 4

Sense Number 2: make a proposal or overtures to with a specific end in view

Commentary: Syntax Is: NP1[agent[human]] APPROACH NP2[patient[human]]
NOTE: implies initiation of negotiation, interaction or discourse between two parties

Examples:
Who do I approach about volunteering?
We've just approached the bank about a loan.
I approached the administration for a raise.
She's been approached by a modelling agency.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: approach.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 5

Sense Number 3: treat something in a particular way

Commentary: NP1[agent] APPROACH NP2[patient[inanimate]]

Examples:
How did she approach the problem?
She approached the task with dread.
The professor approached the issue from a historical perspective.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: approach.02
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 3