What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
confront
Example
I had to confront my fear of public speaking in order to give the presentation. [confront: verb]
Example
The company decided to confront the issue of workplace harassment by implementing new policies. [confront: verb]
encounter
Example
I encountered an old friend on the street yesterday. [encountered: past tense]
Example
We encountered some difficulties during our hike due to the rough terrain. [encountered: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Encounter is more commonly used than confront in everyday language, as it can be used in a wider range of contexts and has a more neutral connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between confront and encounter?
While both confront and encounter can be used in both formal and informal contexts, confront is generally associated with a more assertive and confrontational tone, making it less appropriate for formal situations.
