reaching

The word “reaching” means the act of stretching out to grasp or touch something. In plain terms, the action of stretching out toward something.

“Reaching” is pronounced REET-shihng (/ˈɹiːt͡ʃɪŋ/ in IPA).

Here is “reaching” used in a sentence: “His reaching for the last biscuit knocked over the vase.”

“Reaching” is a noun.

“Reaching” is a fairly common word in modern English.

Reaching is the act of extending your arm or body toward something to close the distance, while grasping is the moment your hand actually takes hold of it. In short, reaching gets you to the object; grasping secures it. You reach first, then grasp, so the two describe consecutive stages of one movement.

Stretching your arm across the table to pick up a cup is reaching, as is a baby extending its hands toward a toy just out of range. The word captures the outward, straining motion of the body trying to make contact with something, whether or not it succeeds in touching it.

This is an informal, figurative use. To say an argument or conclusion is 'reaching' means someone is stretching too far to make a connection that isn't really there. It borrows from the physical image of straining to grab something just beyond your grasp, applied instead to overstretched logic or excuses.