Met
/mɛt/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo come into the presence of a person or thing, usually by chance or arrangement.
/mɛt/
To come into the presence or company of (someone) unexpectedly or by chance.
I met my wife at a conference.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're walking down the street and suddenly bump into your friend! That's when you *met* them. It's like you saw them, maybe even said hello, and now you're together.
👶 For kids: To see someone for the first time or by surprise.
More Examples
They met while studying abroad.
We met at a friend's party last weekend.
How It's Used
"I met my best friend at school."
"We met some interesting people on our trip."
To be introduced to someone, initiating a relationship.
/mɛt/
To be introduced to (someone) for the first time.
I'm delighted to have met you.
💡 Simply: When you 'meet' someone, it's like starting a new friendship. You get to know a new person, and maybe become friends! Imagine shaking hands and saying hello. That is meeting someone.
👶 For kids: To say hi to someone for the first time.
More Examples
She met her future husband at a party.
It was a pleasure meeting you.
How It's Used
"I'm glad I met her, she's very nice."
"He met several potential clients at the conference."
To come together formally or informally for a specific purpose.
/mɛt/
To come together for a planned purpose.
The board of directors met this morning.
💡 Simply: When you 'meet' with your friends or coworkers, it's like setting up a time to talk or work together. You gather to do something important or fun. Imagine you have a meeting to talk about a project.
👶 For kids: To get together with people for a reason, like a meeting or to play.
More Examples
They met to discuss the project's progress.
We met at the park for a picnic.
How It's Used
"The committee met to discuss the proposal."
"We met for lunch at the cafe."
To satisfy a requirement or expectation.
/mɛt/
To satisfy or fulfill a need, requirement, or condition.
The project met the deadline.
💡 Simply: When you 'meet' a requirement, it's like you've done what you're supposed to. It's like having a checklist, and you've finished all the things on the list.
👶 For kids: To do what you were supposed to do.
More Examples
The company met its sales target.
His performance met our expectations.
How It's Used
"The product met all the safety requirements."
"She met her fitness goals."
Synonyms
Encountered
Found
Acquainted
Assembled
Convened
Gathered
Achieved
Fulfilled
Idioms & expressions
meet halfway
To compromise or make concessions in order to reach an agreement.
"If you're both willing to meet halfway, you can reach a settlement."
meet someone's eyes
To look directly at someone and have your gaze connect.
"She couldn't meet his eyes because she felt guilty."
meet expectations
To fulfill what is hoped for or required.
"The new product met the expectations of the consumers."
From Old English *mētan ('to meet, encounter'), from Proto-Germanic *mōtijaną, related to the noun *mōtą ('meeting, assembly').
Historically, "met" has been used since the Old English period to describe encounters and fulfilling obligations. Its usage has remained relatively consistent over time.
Memory tip
Think of two people coming face-to-face.