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
entgegengesetzt
opposite
Pointing or moving in the reverse or exactly other direction.
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Autos fuhren in entgegengesetzte Richtungen.
The two cars were driving in opposite directions.
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 umgekehrt
reversed / conversely
Both words can describe a different direction or orientation. Umgekehrt focuses more on reversing an existing direction or order. Entgegengesetzt, by contrast, emphasizes that something points or moves directly in exactly the opposite direction. Umgekehrt fits a return journey, while entgegengesetzt fits two opposing directions.
entgegengesetzt
Die beiden Busse fuhren auf derselben Straße in entgegengesetzte Richtungen.
The two buses traveled in opposite directions on the same road.
umgekehrt
Für den Rückweg gingen wir die Strecke umgekehrt zurück.
For the return trip, we went back along the route in reverse.
In real life
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