These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content that does not reflect the opinions or policies of Collins, or its parent company HarperCollins.
We welcome feedback: you can select the flag against a sentence to report it.
Read more…
The memory of a brief encounter on my front doorstep, only two months before, returned in extraordinarily sharp focus.
Clearly still disturbed by his brief encounter with the real world, he came to sit opposite me and adopted a defensive, protective posture.
adjective
Something that is brief lasts for only a short time. [...]
Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
countable noun
An encounter with someone is a meeting with them, particularly one that is unexpected or significant. [...]
Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
You may also like
Browse alphabetically
brief encounter
Source
Definition of brief encounter from the Collins English Dictionary
Read about the team of authors behind Collins Dictionaries.
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
long-term goal
or
winning goal?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
long-term goal
winning goal
This needs to be approached in a realistic manner.
murder scene
or
music scene?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
murder scene
music scene
Mobile signals enabled police to place them at the .
criminal activity
or
economic activity?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
criminal activity
economic activity
There is no indication that either of them was involved in .
faltering economy
or
industrial economies?
Which version is correct?
divorce battle
or
leadership battle?
Which version is correct?
Your score:
Word of the day
alfresco
An alfresco activity, especially a meal , is one that takes place in the open air.
Collins English Dictionary Apps
Download our English Dictionary apps - available for both iOS and Android.
Read more
Collins Dictionaries for Schools
Our new online dictionaries for schools provide a safe and appropriate environment for children. And best of all it's ad free, so sign up now and start using at home or in the classroom.
Read more
Word lists
We have almost 200 lists of words from topics as varied as types of butterflies, jackets, currencies, vegetables and knots!
Amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge!
Read more
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
slurred speech
or
victory speech?
Which version is correct?
environmental damage
or
nerve damage?
Which version is correct?
criminal activity
or
economic activity?
Which version is correct?
face the danger
or
spell danger?
Which version is correct?
divorce battle
or
leadership battle?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
divorce battle
leadership battle
One couple spent £2 million on lawyers' fees in a .
Your score:
Learning English: Months of the year
Learn how to speak about the months of the year, and give information about important dates. Improve your English with Collins.
Read more
Learning English: Days of the week
Learn how to discuss what happens on different days of the week, whether you want to make plans for the day or talk about weekly routines.
Read more
Learning English: Going shopping
Discover some useful English expressions to use while you're out at the shops in this week's Learning English blog.
Read more
Sting-Nettle Day
We're taking a closer look at the intriguing expressions and customs that have grown up around one of the most versatile plants out there - the stinging nettle.
Read more
Collins English Dictionary Apps
Download our English Dictionary apps - available for both iOS and Android.
Read more
Collins Dictionaries for Schools
Our new online dictionaries for schools provide a safe and appropriate environment for children. And best of all it's ad free, so sign up now and start using at home or in the classroom.
Read more
Word lists
We have almost 200 lists of words from topics as varied as types of butterflies, jackets, currencies, vegetables and knots!
Amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge!
Read more