come at
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle at
Meanings
Approach a problem or idea in a particular way
Why “at”? AT points attention or action toward one target.
“Let's come at the problem from another side.”
“The teacher came at the question with a simple example.”
Test yourself
“Let's come at the problem from another side.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
aim at
Same at pattern: target
Direct something toward a target
get at
Same at pattern: target
Criticise someone repeatedly or unfairly; Suggest or mean something indirectly; Reach or gain access to something
look at
Same at pattern: target
Direct your eyes toward someone or something
point at
Same at pattern: target
Show a direction with a finger or object
throw at
Same at pattern: target
Send an object toward a target with force
come about
Same base verb: come
Happen, especially in an unplanned way; Of a ship, change tack to the opposite side
come across
Same base verb: come
Find or meet someone or something by chance; Give a particular impression to others; Be expressed clearly enough for people to notice or understand
come after
Same base verb: come
Be later than something in time or order; Chase someone, or try to punish them
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