B2verb2K

Encounter

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

Definition

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

Examples

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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

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

Synonyms

meet (8), run into

Antonyms

avoid
escape
shun

Common mistakes

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.