rencounter
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //rɪnˈkaʊntər//
KK: /rɛnˈkaʊntər/
noun
Definition
A meeting or confrontation that happens unexpectedly, often with a sense of conflict or competition.
Example
Their rencounter at the conference was filled with tension and unresolved issues.
Conversation
I had the most unexpected rencounter with Sarah yesterday at the cafe.
Oh really? What happened?
We hadn't seen each other since high school, so it was a nice surprise.
That sounds great! I love when old friends pop up like that.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
meeting
confrontation
encounter
Antonyms
separation
avoidance
disconnection
transitive verb
Definition
To meet someone unexpectedly or to have an unplanned meeting with someone.
Example
I had a rencounter with an old friend at the market yesterday.
Tense Forms
Past: rencountered
Past Participle: rencountered
Conversation
Guess who I rencountered at the coffee shop today?
No way! Who was it?
It was Sarah, we hadn’t seen each other in years!
Root Explanation
Rencounter is derived from the Old French 'rencontrer', which means to meet again or to encounter. The prefix 're-' (meaning again) and 'conter' (meaning to tell or recount) combine to convey the idea of meeting or encountering again. Thus, 'rencounter' refers to a meeting or encounter that happens again.
Memory Tip
Think of 'meeting again' — 're-' means again, and 'conter' relates to recounting or telling. This helps you remember that 'rencounter' is about encountering someone once more.
Visually Confused Words
recounter
encounter
encounterer
renouncer
recount
counter