accostare

Accostare is an Italian verb with several related meanings centered on proximity and approach. It can denote bringing something close to another object or placing it alongside, as well as moving toward a person or a place. In nautical language, accostare means to bring a vessel alongside a quay or another vessel.

As a transitive verb, accostare takes a direct object and is used for physical proximity or juxtaposition. Examples include accostare una sedia al tavolo (to move a chair up to the table) or accostare due parole to speak a few words in passing, though more common phrases exist for that sense. The sense to juxtapose is also found in phrases like accostare due concetti (to juxtapose two concepts) or accostare elementi in a composizione.

The reflexive form accostarsi is used when the subject approaches something or someone, either physically or metaphorically. For instance, il gatto si è accostato al bambino (the cat moved closer to the child) or una persona che si accosta a una causa (someone who attaches themselves to a cause). In social contexts, accostare a una persona in strada can imply addressing or confronting someone, sometimes with unwanted attention.

In nautical use, accostare is specifically the action of bringing a ship alongside a dock or another vessel: la nave si è accostata al molo al tramonto (the ship came alongside the pier at sunset).

Etymology and related terms: the verb derives from Italian roots with the prefix ad- meaning toward, and is related to notions of proximity and alignment. Related verbs include avvicinare (to bring closer) and accostarsi (to approach).