encounter

The word “encounter” means to meet or come across someone or something, especially unexpectedly. In plain terms, to run into someone or something, or a meeting of that kind.

“Encounter” is pronounced ihn-KOWN-tuh (/ɪnˈkaʊntɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “encounter” used in a sentence: “We encountered a herd of deer on the trail.”

Depending on how it is used, “encounter” can be a verb and a noun.

The word “encounter” comes from Latin. From Old French encontrer ("to confront"), from encontre ("against"), ultimately from Latin in- + contra ("against").

“Encounter” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Encounter” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to meet or come across someone or something, especially unexpectedly.

'Meet' is a general word for coming together with someone, often planned. 'Encounter' suggests the meeting was unexpected, unplanned, or significant, as in 'we encountered an old friend at the airport.' Encounter also often implies tension or difficulty, which 'meet' does not.

A 'meeting' is usually arranged in advance, such as a business meeting. An 'encounter' is more often unplanned, tense, or noteworthy, as in 'a chance encounter' or 'a close encounter.' The word encounter carries a sense of drama or surprise that meeting does not.

As a verb, 'encounter' often pairs with difficulties, such as 'encounter problems,' 'encounter resistance,' or 'encounter obstacles.' It suggests coming up against something unexpectedly, so it frequently precedes words describing challenges.