Words / B2

k-uh-n-FRUNT/kənˈfrʌnt/

To confront is to face a difficult person or problem directly: confront the mistakes, confront someone about a rumour. Face is everyday; tackle is close for a problem; challenge can be a debate. Confrontation is the noun (a heated confrontation). In speech, face up to or have it out is blunter. Confront is direct and can sound aggressive. Do not use it for a polite email raising a small query.

Meaning

To face a difficult person or problem directly.

Examples

• “We need to confront the mistakes in the data.”
• “We need to confront the gaps in the data before the inspection.”
• “She confronted him about the missed duty, then listened to the reason.”

Good to know

Face a person or problem directly. confront someone about. Everyday: face up to. Noun: confrontation. Direct; can sound aggressive.

Near in meaning

face

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