reach
UK[riːtʃ]US[riːtʃ]
v
To arrive at a place, especially after a journey or effort.
v
To stretch out an arm or hand to touch or grasp something.
v
To achieve or attain a particular level, state, or amount.
n
The distance over which someone or something can stretch, extend, or exert influence.
Etymology
The verb 'reach' originates from the Old English 'rǣcan', meaning "to stretch out the hand, extend, or offer". This term is derived from the Proto-Germanic 'raikijaną', which carries the sense of "to stretch out, reach for". The underlying Proto-Indo-European root is likely 'reig-', meaning "to stretch, reach out", a concept that directly informs the word's core modern meanings of extending oneself physically or attaining a goal. The semantic journey from the physical act of stretching an arm to the abstract sense of achieving an objective is a classic example of metaphorical extension, where a concrete bodily action comes to represent the successful completion of an effort.
Analysis
The word 'reach' is a simplex word of Old English origin. It is not productively formed from separable modern English morphemes.
Examples
It took three days for the letter to reach its destination.
She had to stand on her toes to reach the top shelf.
The company hopes to reach a wider audience with its new advertising campaign.