ontmoette

Ontmoette is the simple past tense form of the Dutch verb ontmoeten, meaning to meet or to encounter. The infinitive is ontmoeten; the present tense forms are ik ontmoet, jij ontmoet, hij ontmoet. The simple past (preterite) form is ik ontmoette, jij ontmoette, hij ontmoette. The past participle is ontmoet, and it is used with perfect tenses (for example, ik heb ontmoet).

The verb ontmoeten is transitive and typically requires a direct object, usually a person or an entity that is being met or encountered. It can describe both spontaneous encounters and deliberate meetings, as in social, professional, or casual contexts. In speech, speakers often favor the perfect tense (heb ontmoet) in everyday conversation, whereas the simple past (ontmoette) is common in written narration, journalism, and formal writing.

Examples include: Gisteren ontmoette hij zijn oude vriend. Tijdens de conferentie ontmoette zij haar toekomstige zakenpartner. In English, these would translate as "Yesterday he met his old friend" and "During the conference she met her future business partner."

Related terms include the noun ontmoetingen or ontmoeting, which denotes an encounter or meeting itself, and the related verb form ontmoeten. The word forms a core part of Dutch communication about social interaction and events where people come into contact.