What is the Difference Between Meet and Meet With?

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The difference between "meet" and "meet with" lies in their usage and the context in which they are used. Here are the key distinctions:

  • Meet: This word is used when encountering a person for the first time or when coming together casually. It can also be used in the context of a meeting as an event where athletes compete or a situation where something fits a certain criteria. For example:
  • Nice to meet you!
  • I met my best friend in first grade.
  • We met some interesting people on our trip.
  • Meet with: This phrase is used when spending time with someone for a specific purpose, such as discussing business, politics, or planning. It is more formal than using "meet" alone and often implies a professional or business context. This phrase must be followed by a person when used in this context. For example:
  • I met with the president to discuss the budget.
  • The prime minister is going to meet with the U.N. secretary-general.

In some cases, "meet" can be used without listing the person before the verb, while "meet with" always requires a person after the verb. However, in less formal contexts, both "meet" and "meet with" can be used interchangeably when the intent is to spend time together for discussion, even without specifying a person.

Comparative Table: Meet vs Meet With

The difference between "meet" and "meet with" lies in their usage and implied purpose. Here is a table comparing the two:

Meet Meet With
Informal encounter, usually socially or for personal reasons Formal encounter, often used for professional or business purposes
Can be used in various situations, such as meeting a new person, attending a social gathering, or encountering someone unexpectedly Implies a meeting with a specific purpose or agenda, often involving discussions or negotiations
Examples: "Nice to meet you" or "We're meeting for drinks after work" Examples: "He's coming to Chicago to meet with investors next month" or "We are meeting with the architect today to discuss the plans"

In summary, "meet" is a more informal term used to describe encounters or gatherings, while "meet with" is more formal and implies a purposeful meeting between parties.