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acercamiento

ah-ser-kah-MYEN-toh/aserkaˈmjento/

“acercamiento” means “approach” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

approach

Also: moving closer, zoom-in
NounmB1
A small rabbit hopping closer to a carrot on the grass.

📝 In Action

El acercamiento del avión a la pista fue muy suave.

B1

The airplane's approach to the runway was very smooth.

Gracias al zoom, pudimos ver un acercamiento de la cara del león.

B1

Thanks to the zoom, we could see a close-up of the lion's face.

El acercamiento de la tormenta nos obligó a entrar en casa.

B2

The approach of the storm forced us to go inside.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • aproximación (approximation/approach)

Antonyms

  • alejamiento (moving away)
  • distanciamiento (distancing)

Common Collocations

  • punto de acercamiento – point of approach
  • maniobra de acercamiento – approach maneuver

rapprochement

Also: reconciliation, initial contact
NounmB2
Two birds sitting together on a single branch sharing a small berry.

📝 In Action

Ha habido un acercamiento diplomático entre los dos países.

C1

There has been a diplomatic rapprochement between the two countries.

Este curso es mi primer acercamiento a la cultura japonesa.

B2

This course is my first introduction to Japanese culture.

Los hermanos intentaron un acercamiento después de años sin hablarse.

B2

The brothers attempted a reconciliation after years of not speaking.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • reconciliación (reconciliation)
  • contacto (contact)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • un primer acercamiento – a first look/contact
  • acercamiento de posturas – coming to an agreement / narrowing the gap

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: acercamiento

Question 1 of 3

Which sentence refers to a physical movement?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
acercar(to move closer) — Verb
cerca(near / close) — Adverb
cercanía(proximity / closeness) — Noun
cercano(nearby / close) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Formed from the Spanish verb 'acercar' (to bring near), which comes from the word 'cerca' (near). The suffix '-miento' is added to turn the action of the verb into a noun.

First recorded: 17th Century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: aproximação

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'acercamiento' the same as 'aproximación'?

Mostly, yes! However, 'aproximación' is often used for math or estimates (like 'an approximation of the cost'), while 'acercamiento' is more common for physical movement or personal relationships.

Can I use this word for a 'close-up' photo?

Yes! In photography and film, 'un acercamiento' refers to zooming in on a subject.

How do I say 'He approached me' using this noun?

You wouldn't usually use the noun for that. It's more natural to use the verb: 'Él se acercó a mí'.