C1verb 2K

Confront

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

Definition

to appear and need to be dealt with by somebody

Listen to definition

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'.