Hardly a day passes before you hear someone say that he or she met someone out there. You might also hear someone say that he is planning to meet his or her boss in the afternoon. As a result, the words ‘meet’ and ‘met’ are used nearly on a daily basis. Although there are people who know the difference between these words, some still confuse the two. If you check keenly, the only visible difference between these two words is the letter ‘e’. However, there are other significant differences between these two words.
For instance, the word ‘meet’ is a verb that is used to describe an act of coming across someone by chance or even through an appointment. Its counterpart, on the other hand, is the past participle of the word ‘meet’. Besides this, there are other notable differences between these two words. We shall discuss these differences in detail later in the article.
What Does the Word ‘Meet’ Mean?
Like we mentioned above, the word ‘meet’ refers to the act of two or more people coming across one another. This can be in school, market, at work, at church, and so on. As long as these people have come into the presence of each other, it is said that they were able to meet. Besides the above-mentioned meaning, the word ‘meet’ can also be used as a noun to describe an event where athletes compete.
Apart from being a verb and an adjective, the word ‘meet’ can also be used as an adjective to refer to something that fits particular criteria or that which is right. Remember that the word ‘meet’ originates from the word ‘gemaete’, which is an Old English word meaning, that which is suitable.
What Does the Word ‘Met’ Mean?
To start with, you will note that the work ‘met’ is very different from the word ‘meet’. However, the only difference comes in the way this word is used. Like we mentioned above, the word ‘met’ is the past tense of the word ‘meet’. It can also be used as the past participle of the same word. Generally, it all depends on the message you want to pass across.
Main Differences Between ‘Meet’ and ‘Met’
Although both words share the same meaning, they differ in a number of aspects. Here are the various ways these two words vary:
1. Usage
The word ‘meet’ is usually used to refer to an encounter of two or more people. It can also be used to mean the act of two or more people coming into the presence of one another. Besides this, the work can be used to mean the act of coming into contact with someone or something. Generally, it can refer to the act of becoming acquitted with someone. Here are some examples that can help you understand how this term is used:
- James will meet with his boss in the afternoon
- I will meet my mother later in the day
- You have to meet the principal
- We shall meet in church on Sunday
- Peter was pleased to meet you yesterday
The word ‘meet’ can also mean the act of conforming to a particular standard. Here are some good examples:
- Your article has to meet all the requirements of the client
- She was not able to meet all her needs
It can also be used to mean the act of settling or paying in full. Here is an example that can illustrate the same:
- Peter could not meet all his loans
Finally, the word ‘meet’ can also be used to mean the act of providing something. Here is a good example to illustrate this:
- Mercy does not have enough money to meet all our needs.
On the other hand, the word ‘met’ can be used to mean the above, only that it is the simple past tense and the past participle of the word ‘meet’. Here are some examples to illustrate the same:
- Peter met James at the airport yesterday
- You have not met all our requirements
- Mary has not met all her loans
- The money you contributed has not met all our needs.
2. Origin
Besides the usage, these two words differ when it comes to their origin. For instance, the word ‘meet’ originates from an old English word, ‘gemaete’, which means suitable. It also originates from the old English word commonly known as ‘metan’, which means ‘the act of meeting’. On the other hand, ‘met’ originates from the word meet.
Final Thoughts
From the context in which these words are used to their origin, there are a number of differences between these two words. Therefore, you should take note of these differences so as to avoid passing the wrong message. As you master the usage of these terms, consider the differences mentioned above, and you will not regret it.
