encounter - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
encounter Word Meanings
- to meet someone unexpectedly
- to confront or come across
- a meeting or confrontation
encounter Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
encounter Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪnˈkaʊntə/
US
/ɪnˈkaʊntɚ/
encounter Word Etymology
en- = to make, counter = face; Latin ‘incounter’ → Old French ‘encontre’ → English. Imagine stumbling upon an old friend in a bustling market and feeling the joy of this unexpected confrontation.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I reach for the doorknob and push the door open, stepping into the busy street. I shift my pace, eyes scanning the crowd, adjusting my route as people weave around me. Then I encounter someone I know, a brief pause, a friendly smile, and the pace slows. That moment changes the rhythm of my day, turning an ordinary walk into a small, lasting connection I can keep.
Real Context
An encounter is usually a meeting that happens by chance, or a confrontation with a situation you didn’t anticipate. As a verb, encounter means to come face to face with something unexpectedly; as a noun, it can describe a brief meeting with another person, or a more formal or even tense confrontation. The word often appears in formal writing or travel talk: 'an unexpected encounter in a market' or 'they had an awkward encounter at the border'. Common collocations include encounter a problem, encounter someone again, or have a chance encounter. Note that meet can replace encounter in many everyday cases, but encounter has a slightly more formal or dramatic tone.
Usage Reminders
- Use as a verb for facing something unexpectedly; use as a noun for a meeting or a confrontation; don’t assume it always means a positive meeting; beware the formal/dramatic tone; common collocations: encounter a problem, a chance encounter, encounter with someone again.
Common Misconceptions
- Encounters are only about people, not situations or problems.
- An encounter always has a positive, pleasant tone.
- Encounter and meet are always interchangeable.
- You must always use 'an' before encounter (singular usage).
- Encounter cannot be used in casual conversation.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: in English, encounter often carries a formal or dramatic nuance and can refer to facing a problem, not just meeting people; avoid treating it like a casual 'meet'.
Learning Tips
- Read and listen for formal vs casual tone cues to weigh when to use encounter.
- Practice both senses: 'encounter a problem' and 'an encounter with someone'.
- Note the noun vs verb forms and their common collocations.
- Replace with meet in casual scenes to feel the tone difference.
- Learn common phrases: chance encounter, encounter with difficulties, encounter someone again.
- Use synonyms cautiously; некоторых contexts favor 'confront' or 'face'.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'encounter' mean?
A.Eat a lot
B.Meet unexpectedly
C.Sleep all day
D.Run away
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'encounter' used correctly?
A.I encountered running away from my responsibilities.
B.I encountered my bed early in the morning.
C.I encountered a delicious pizza for dinner.
D.I encountered a lot about history in my math class.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is a similar word to 'encounter'?
A.Meeting
B.Sleeping
C.Ignoring
D.Cooking
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'encounter'?
A.Celebrate
B.Enjoy
C.Avoid
D.Discover
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where you might encounter something unexpected?
A.Walking in the park
B.At a friend's house
C.In a bookstore
D.In your own room
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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