B2verb 2K

Encounter

🇬🇧 UK /["/ɪnˈkaʊntə(r)/","/ɪnˈkaʊntəz/","/ɪnˈkaʊntəd/","/ɪnˈkaʊntərɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ɪnˈkaʊntər/","/ɪnˈkaʊntərz/","/ɪnˈkaʊntərd/","/ɪnˈkaʊntərɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Encounter

to experience something, especially something unpleasant or difficult, while you are trying to do something else

In simple words: to meet someone or something unexpectedly

Encounter in a sentence

• We **encountered** a number of **difficulties **in the first week.
• The report details the **problems encountered** by families in this situation.
• I had never encountered such resistance before.
• She was the most remarkable woman he had ever encountered.
• Plant scientists first encountered the phenomenon in the 1930s.
• an idea I first encountered when I was in the army
• Researchers at the isolated Arctic outpost encounter a creature from outer space.
• Walruses were commonly encountered in the Shetland Islands until quite recently.

How to use Encounter

Use 'encounter' when talking about coming across someone or something unexpectedly. It is suitable in both spoken and written contexts, but can sound slightly formal in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

encounter + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'in-counter' — imagine coming across an unexpected counter at a store.

Related words

Collocations with Encounter

• commonly
• frequently
• often
• be likely to
• commonly
• frequently
• often
• be likely to

Synonyms for Encounter

• meet (8), run into

Opposites of Encounter

• avoid
• escape
• shun

Common mistakes with Encounter

• Confused with 'meet' — 'encounter' is less planned than 'meet'.
• Using 'encounter' only for negatives — it can describe positive or neutral experiences too.
• Incorrect verb forms — remember to use 'encountered' for past tense.

Frequently asked questions about Encounter

What does Encounter mean?

to meet someone or something unexpectedly

What is the definition of Encounter?

to experience something, especially something unpleasant or difficult, while you are trying to do something else

How do you use Encounter in a sentence?

We **encountered** a number of **difficulties **in the first week.

Can you give another example of Encounter?

The report details the **problems encountered** by families in this situation.

What are synonyms for Encounter?

Common alternatives include meet (8), run into.

What is the opposite of Encounter?

Opposite meanings include avoid, escape, shun.

What words go with Encounter?

It commonly pairs with commonly, frequently, often, be likely to, commonly, frequently, often, be likely to.

What are common mistakes when using Encounter?

Confused with 'meet' — 'encounter' is less planned than 'meet'. Using 'encounter' only for negatives — it can describe positive or neutral experiences too. Incorrect verb forms — remember to use 'encountered' for past tense.

How do you pronounce Encounter?

US: /["/ɪnˈkaʊntər/","/ɪnˈkaʊntərz/","/ɪnˈkaʊntərd/","/ɪnˈkaʊntərɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ɪnˈkaʊntə(r)/","/ɪnˈkaʊntəz/","/ɪnˈkaʊntəd/","/ɪnˈkaʊntərɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Encounter?

Use 'encounter' when talking about coming across someone or something unexpectedly. It is suitable in both spoken and written contexts, but can sound slightly formal in casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Encounter?

"Encounter" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.