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Mieszko Powroznik Posted 16 years ago
Vocabulary

Get to know a person

I sometimes get confused when it comes to "get to know a person". Can someone be so kind and explain in which situation it can be used? Mainly it is about the difference between get to know a person and meet a person ( like for the 1st time). If there are any other ways to express it, they are welcome:)
  

Top answer

"meeting" someone just entails being physically adjacent to them and socially interacting in some way: shaking hands, introducing yourself if you've not met before, engaging in conversation, and so forth. "meet" can be used both for a first-time meeting and also when you already know someone (for example, when you meet your friends). "getting to know" someone means becoming familiar with their personality through being in their company repeatedly or for a sustained period of time.

— Mr Wordy

  • "meeting" someone just entails being physically adjacent to them and socially interacting in some way: shaking hands, introducing yourself if you've not met before, engaging in conversation, and so forth.
  • "meet" can be used both for a first-time meeting and also when you already know someone (for example, when you meet your friends).
  • "getting to know" someone means becoming familiar with their personality through being in their company repeatedly or for a sustained period of time.
  • It is a process that happens once, during and subsequent to one's first meeting with someone.
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5 Answers
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"meeting" someone just entails being physically adjacent to them and socially interacting in some way: shaking hands, introducing yourself if you've not met before, engaging in conversation, and so forth. "meet" can be used both for a first-time meeting and also when you already know someone (for example, when you meet your friends).

"getting to know" someone means becoming familiar with
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By your definition, I cannot use: I want to get to know new people? Right?
And if it is via the internet then I cannot use meet either ( it takes physical appearance). I need to use acquaint new peoplem, or what?
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Mieszko PowroznikBy your definition, I cannot use: I want to get to know new people? Right?
You can say this if you want. I'm not sure how you get the idea that my definition precludes it.
Mieszko PowroznikAnd if it is via the internet then I cannot use meet either ( it takes physical appearance). I need to use acquaint new peoplem, or
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ok, so the last question. Someone asks: How do you know each other? ,Can I say: I met him on the internet? or I got to know him on the internet?
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Yes, you can say those things, and people do. However, not everyone may completely agree that you can properly "meet" or "get to know" someone over the Internet, without ever seeing them in person.
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