confrontation

/ˌkɒnfrʌnˈteɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌkɑːnfrənˈteɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌkän-(ˌ)frən-ˈtā-shən/ (ame, mw)

confrontation — noun

  • confrontationsingular
  • confrontationsplural

1. A face-to-face encounter during which two or more people or groups express stron

1.名詞B2
釋義

A face-to-face encounter during which two or more people or groups express strong anger, disagreement, or opposition toward one another, often in a tense or hostile way.

例句

The two leaders decided to avoid a direct confrontation during the peace talks.

collocation: avoid a direct confrontation

A confrontation between the protesters and the police lasted well into the night.

collocation: confrontation between [groups]

同義詞
  • conflict

    broader term that can describe ongoing wars or deep-rooted disagreements; confrontation emphasizes a specific, immediate face-off

  • clash

    more physical or violent in tone; often used for brief, explosive encounters

  • showdown

    more informal, suggesting a decisive final meeting that resolves a long dispute

  • standoff

    emphasizes a situation where neither side is willing to back down, often with tension but no immediate action

反義詞
  • agreement

    the opposite outcome of a resolved confrontation

  • harmony

    a state of peaceful coexistence without opposition

文法句型

confrontation + with + noun phrase

confrontation + between + noun phrase

a confrontation

in confrontation + with

用法筆記

Often paired with prepositions 'with' (person or group opposed) and 'between' (the two opposing sides). The countable form (a confrontation) refers to a specific incident; the uncountable form (in confrontation with) describes an ongoing state of opposition.

常見錯誤

❌The two countries have been in a long conflict for decades.' (when describing a direct, heated face-off).
✅The two countries have been in a long confrontation for decades.
💡'conflict' is broader and can refer to a long-term war or struggle; 'confrontation' specifically implies direct, often face-to-face opposition.