Encounters Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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encounters
[ɪnˈkaʊn.tərz ]
Definitions
meeting experience
An encounter is a meeting, often unexpected, between two or more parties. It can refer to any interaction, such as personal meetings, confrontations, or chance meetings.
Synonyms
confrontation, experience, interaction, meeting.
Examples of usage
- She had an encounter with an old friend at the café.
- Their encounter was filled with tension.
- We often have casual encounters with strangers during our travels.
- The movie depicts an alien encounter.
- An encounter with wildlife can be exhilarating.
meet by chance
To encounter means to come upon or meet with someone or something unexpectedly. It can also refer to facing something challenging or difficult.
Synonyms
come across, confront, face, meet.
Examples of usage
- I encountered a problem while working on my project.
- We encountered many challenges on our journey.
- She encountered a bear while hiking.
- He encountered a delay due to traffic.
- They encountered several obstacles in negotiations.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Encounters are a common theme in storytelling, often leading to character development and plot twists.
- Famous literary encounters, like those between characters in Shakespeare's works, drive emotional connections.
- In modern novels, unexpected encounters often serve as catalysts for change and growth.
Psychology
- Human encounters can significantly affect emotional well-being and are essential in building relationships.
- Research shows that positive encounters increase happiness, while negative ones can lead to stress and anxiety.
- Encounters often involve non-verbal communication, which conveys messages and emotions beyond words.
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, encounters are celebrated through festivals and rituals, symbolizing unity and connection.
- Cultural narratives often highlight unexpected encounters as moments of fate or destiny.
- Encounters in various cultures can have different significance; for instance, in some communities, unplanned visits are welcomed as signs of friendship.
Science
- In ecology, encounters between species can lead to symbiotic relationships or competition for resources.
- Quantum physics discusses particle encounters, where particles interact with each other, leading to various outcomes.
- Astronomy explores encounters between celestial bodies, such as asteroids flying past Earth, which can be crucial for planetary safety.
Origin of 'encounters'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'incauntare,' which means to 'counter' or come up against.
- It originally signified a confrontation or opposition but has expanded to include friendly meetings.
- In Middle English, it was often spelled as 'encountre,' showing the evolution of language.
The word 'encounter' originates from the Middle French 'encontrer' (to meet with) and the Latin 'incontra' (against, opposite). Its etymology traces back to the Latin word 'contrahere', which means to bring together or join. The term was first used in English in the early 15th century. Initially, it carried a more direct sense of 'meeting' or 'face to face' interaction, but over time, the meaning expanded to include unexpected meetings and confrontations. Today, 'encounter' is commonly used in various contexts, from casual interactions to significant confrontations, illustrating its flexible application in the English language.