Encounter: meaning, definitions and examples

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encounter

 

[ ɪnˈkaʊntə ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

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.
Context #2 | Verb

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

Translations of the word "encounter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encontro

🇮🇳 मुठभेड़

🇩🇪 Begegnung

🇮🇩 pertemuan

🇺🇦 зустріч

🇵🇱 spotkanie

🇯🇵 出会い (であい)

🇫🇷 rencontre

🇪🇸 encuentro

🇹🇷 karşılaşma

🇰🇷 만남 (mannam)

🇸🇦 لقاء

🇨🇿 setkání

🇸🇰 stretnutie

🇨🇳 遇见 (yùjiàn)

🇸🇮 srečanje

🇮🇸 fundur

🇰🇿 кездесу

🇬🇪 შეხვედრა

🇦🇿 qarşılaşma

🇲🇽 encuentro

Word origin

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.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,425, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.