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entgegengesetzt
opposite
Completely different or contrary in type, opinion, or characteristic.
example
Obwohl sie Geschwister sind, haben sie völlig entgegengesetzte Ansichten.
Although they are siblings, they have completely opposite views.
entgegengesetzt
opposite
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'entgegen' (against, contrary to) and 'gesetzt' (past participle of 'setzen' (to set/place)). Its literal meaning is therefore 'set against' or 'placed opposite', which describes the idea of contrast well.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Meinungen waren komplett entgegengesetzt.
Their opinions were completely opposite.
Use with the dative
'Entgegengesetzt' (opposite/contrary to) can be used with a noun in the dative to express that something contradicts something else. In this function, it often appears at the beginning of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Entgegengesetzt der allgemeinen Erwartung gewann die kleine Mannschaft das Spiel.
Contrary to general expectations, the small team won the game.
Typical collocations
In this meaning, the adjective is often combined with abstract nouns. Typical examples are: entgegengesetzte Meinungen (opposite opinions), Interessen (interests), Ansichten (views), or Wirkungen (effects).
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Parteien verfolgen entgegengesetzte Interessen.
The two parties are pursuing opposite interests.
Typical collocations
When it is about direction, 'entgegengesetzt' (opposite) often appears with words that describe movement or position. Typical examples are: entgegengesetzte Richtungen (opposite directions), Seiten (sides), or Enden (ends).
EXAMPLE
Wir liefen uns am entgegengesetzten Ende des Parks über den Weg.
We ran into each other at the opposite end of the park.
Compare with
entgegengesetzt vs gleich
immediate / same
'gleich' and 'entgegengesetzt' are clear opposites. 'gleich' means that two things are identical or match in important ways. 'entgegengesetzt' means that two things are exactly different or opposite, for example with opinions, characteristics, or directions. If two people have the same opinion, they agree. If they have opposite opinions, they are thinking in the other direction.
entgegengesetzt
Auf dem Radweg fahren die beiden Gruppen in entgegengesetzte Richtungen.
On the bike path, the two groups are riding in opposite directions.
gleich
Max und Lisa haben für das Projekt den gleichen Vorschlag gemacht.
Max and Lisa made the same proposal for the project.
In real life
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