Encountered
/ɪnˈkaʊntəd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo come across or meet, often unexpectedly; to experience.
/ɪnˈkaʊntəd/
To unexpectedly experience or be faced with something, often something difficult or unpleasant.
We encountered heavy traffic on the way to the airport.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're walking down the street, and *encounter* a surprise - like a sudden rain shower! It means you bumped into it unexpectedly, just like you might *encounter* a difficult test at school or a friendly stranger.
👶 For kids: To find or meet something, like bumping into a friend!
More Examples
She encountered several obstacles while trying to complete the project.
The explorers encountered a new species of bird in the jungle.
How It's Used
"We encountered a problem with the software."
"The hero encountered many trials on his journey."
"The company encountered a significant financial setback."
To meet someone or something, especially unexpectedly.
/ɪnˈkaʊntəd/
To meet (someone) unexpectedly.
I encountered my neighbor while walking my dog.
💡 Simply: Imagine bumping into a friend you haven't seen in ages! That's what it means to *encounter* someone - to meet them unexpectedly. It’s like when you unexpectedly find your favorite snack at the store!
👶 For kids: To meet someone or something, like saying hi to a friend you didn't know was going to be there!
More Examples
The explorer encountered a group of natives in the Amazon.
We encountered the police officer at the crime scene.
How It's Used
"I encountered my old friend at the grocery store."
"The two armies encountered each other on the battlefield."
From Middle English *encountren*, from Old French *encontrer* (“to meet, come face to face with”), from Late Latin *incontrāre* (“to meet, come to blows with”), from *in-* (“in, on”) + *contrā* (“against”).
The word 'encounter' has been used since the 13th century, initially to describe meeting in battle or conflict.
Memory tip
Imagine you're walking and suddenly *encounter* a bear. It means you *met* it unexpectedly!