approaching

1. To come or go near, in place or time; to draw nigh; to advance nearer.
2. To draw near, in a figurative sense; to make advances; to approximate.

   as he approaches to the character of the ablest statesman.

3. To come near to in place, time, character or value; to draw nearer to.

   "Would counsel please approach the bench?" asked the judge.

4. To make an attempt at (solving a problem or making a policy).
5. To speak to, as to make a request or ask a question.
6. To take approaches to.
7. To bring near; to cause to draw near.

noun

The act of coming closer; an approach.

1. That approaches or approach.

   the approaching armies

adverb

Nearly.