Etymology Map
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Encounter

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to unexpectedly meet

Where does the word "encounter" come from? It comes from Latin contra, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
contra
Latin · ancient
"against"
'in-' plus 'contra': coming up against someone
2
Stage 2 of 3
encontrer
Old French · medieval
"to meet"
a meeting, especially in battle
3
Stage 3 of 3
encounter
English · 1300s
"to meet as an enemy"
'close encounters' dates from the 1970s
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Read the full story

Encounter’s story begins in Latin: contra meant “against.” 'in-' plus 'contra': coming up against someone. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as encontrer. A meeting, especially in battle. It reached English by 1300s as encounter. 'close encounters' dates from the 1970s. Today, encounter means to unexpectedly meet.