01
gegenteilig
opposite
Representing or expressing the exact opposite of something; contrary.
example
Er vertrat eine gegenteilige Meinung und stimmte gegen den Vorschlag.
He held the opposite opinion and voted against the proposal.
gegenteilig
opposite
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
'Gegenteilig' (opposite/contrary) is the adjective derived from the noun 'das Gegenteil' (the opposite). If you know the noun, you can easily work out the meaning of the adjective.
EXAMPLE
Seine Aussage war das Gegenteil von dem, was er gestern gesagt hat.
His statement was the opposite of what he said yesterday.
Typical combinations
This adjective is often combined with abstract nouns such as 'Meinung' (opinion), 'Effekt' (effect), 'Wirkung' (effect/impact), 'Aussage' (statement), or 'Ergebnis' (result).
EXAMPLE
Die Maßnahme hatte den gegenteiligen Effekt, den wir erwartet hatten.
The measure had the opposite effect from the one we had expected.
Adjective and adverb
'Gegenteilig' (opposite/contrary) can stand before a noun as an adjective or be used as an adverb to describe a verb or the whole sentence. The form of the word does not change.
EXAMPLE
Sie äußerte eine gegenteilige Ansicht.
She expressed an opposite view.
Compare with
gegenteilig vs gleich
immediate / same
'gleich' and 'gegenteilig' form a contrast. 'gleich' means that two things match or are identical. 'gegenteilig' means that something goes in exactly the other direction or expresses the opposite. 'gegenteilig' fits especially well with statements, reactions, results, or instructions. If two pieces of information are 'gleich', they confirm each other. If they are 'gegenteilig', they clearly contradict each other.
gegenteilig
Zum Schutz der Pflanzen hat der Gärtner eine gegenteilige Methode ausprobiert.
To protect the plants, the gardener tried the opposite method.
gleich
Vor dem Wochenende waren die Preise im Laden noch gleich.
Before the weekend, the prices in the store were still the same.
In real life
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