How to pronounce encounter
Say it like in-KOWN-ter. Encounter has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KOWN).
- in
- KOWN
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Encounter pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- KOWNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of encounter
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: in-KOWN-tuh.
What does encounter mean?
- To meet (someone) or find (something), especially unexpectedly.
- To confront (someone or something) face to face.
- To meet one another.
- A meeting, especially one that is unplanned or unexpected.“Their encounter was a matter of chance.”
- A hostile, often violent meeting; a confrontation, skirmish, or clash, as between combatants.
- A match between two opposing sides.
Where does encounter come from?
From Middle English encountren, from Anglo-Norman encountrer, Old French encontrer (“to confront”), from encontre (“against, counter to”), from Late Latin incontrā (“in front of”) itself from Latin in (“in”) + contrā (“against”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- clash
- confrontation
- brush
- skirmish
- meet
- run into
- run across
- come across
Questions about saying encounter
How do you pronounce encounter?
Say in-KOWN-ter. The American pronunciation is /ɪnˈkaʊntɚ/. In British English it is /ɪnˈkaʊntə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in encounter?
Encounter has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KOWN). Broken into parts: in · KOWN · ter.
Is encounter pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ɪnˈkaʊntə/ (in-KOWN-tuh).