Encounter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
encounter
[ษชnหkaสntษ ]
Definitions
in a meeting
An unexpected meeting or confrontation with someone or something.
Synonyms
confrontation, interaction, meeting.
Examples of usage
- I had an encounter with a bear while hiking in the woods.
- The police officer described the encounter with the suspect.
experience
To unexpectedly experience or come across something.
Synonyms
come across, experience, face.
Examples of usage
- She encountered many difficulties during her journey.
- I encountered a beautiful sunset on my evening walk.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Encounters can create strong emotional responses, especially if they involve unexpected or significant events.
- Research suggests that positive encounters can enhance well-being and strengthen social bonds.
- Frequent encounters with different people and experiences can lead to increased adaptability and resilience.
Literature
- In storytelling, an encounter often serves as a plot device, sparking conflict or pivotal moments for characters.
- Classic literature often features life-changing encounters that propel character development.
- Authors like Ernest Hemingway have used encounters to explore existential themes and the human condition.
Pop Culture
- Movies often revolve around thrilling or unexpected encounters, such as in adventure or horror genres.
- Video games frequently use the concept of encounters, whether through fights with enemies or meetings with NPCs.
- In social media, 'encounters' can also refer to chance meetings or serendipitous connections that lead to new friendships.
Science
- In biology, 'encounter' can refer to the interaction between two species, such as predator and prey.
- In ecology, encounters between organisms can lead to competition or cooperation, influencing survival and evolution.
- The study of encounters in social sciences often focuses on how they affect community dynamics and social networks.
Origin of 'encounter'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'incounterare', which means 'to meet in a hostile manner'.
- Over time, it evolved to include friendly and neutral meetings, not just confrontations.
- It entered the English language in the late 14th century, initially associated with warfare and chess.
The word 'encounter' originated from the Old French word 'encontre', which came from the Latin 'incontra', meaning 'to meet'. The term has been used in English since the 14th century, evolving to represent both physical meetings and unexpected experiences.
See also: count, countable, countenance, counter, counting, countless, county, discount, recount, recounted, uncountable.