C1verb2K

Confront

UK /["/kənˈfrʌnt/","/kənˈfrʌnts/","/kənˈfrʌntɪd/","/kənˈfrʌntɪŋ/"]/US /["/kənˈfrʌnt/","/kənˈfrʌnts/","/kənˈfrʌntɪd/","/kənˈfrʌntɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to appear and need to be dealt with by somebody

In simple words: To face someone or something directly, often in a challenging way.

Examples

  • She decided to confront her fears head-on during the retreat.
  • The manager had to confront the employee about repeated tardiness.
  • He was always ready to confront anyone who challenged his authority.
  • In the debate, she was prepared to confront the opposing arguments directly.
  • They will confront the issues of climate change at the upcoming conference.

Usage notes

Use 'confront' when discussing facing a challenge or opposition. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but can sound formal in casual conversations. It's not usually used in situations that are light-hearted.

Grammar pattern

confront + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'con-front' — imagine someone boldly walking to the front of a room to face a difficult question.

Collocations

  • directly
  • head-on
  • squarely
  • be confronted with something
  • find yourself confronted by something

Synonyms

  • face up to

Antonyms

  • avoid
  • ignore
  • evade

Common mistakes

  • Using 'confront' without an object (e.g. saying 'I will confront' instead of 'I will confront the issue').
  • Confusing 'confront' with 'converse', which means to talk.
  • Saying 'confronting about' instead of 'confronting with' or 'confronting'.