opposing
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opposing
Belonging to an opponent or an opposing side. It describes people, groups, or things that are on the other side in a conflict, competition, or game.
Der Stürmer konnte sich gegen die gegnerische Abwehr durchsetzen.
The striker was able to get past the opposing defense.
The adjective 'gegnerisch' (opposing) is derived from the noun 'der Gegner' (the opponent). The ending '-isch' means 'belonging to the opponent' or 'like an opponent.'
Die Spionin sammelte Informationen über die gegnerische Armee.
The spy gathered information about the opposing army.
'Gegnerisch' (opposing) usually describes nouns from the areas of sports, games, or conflict. Common combinations are 'die gegnerische Mannschaft' (the opposing team), 'der gegnerische Spieler' (the opposing player), 'das gegnerische Tor' (the opposing goal), or 'das gegnerische Lager' (the opposing camp).
Der Ball landete im gegnerischen Tor.
The ball landed in the opposing goal.
'Gegnerisch' (opposing) is almost always used directly before a noun to describe it. Using it as a standalone predicative adjective, as in 'Die Mannschaft war gegnerisch.' (The team was opposing), is unusual.
Die Fans provozierten die gegnerischen Spieler.
The fans provoked the opposing players.
hostile
Both words can describe a side that faces one's own side in a conflict. Gegnerisch neutrally describes belonging to the other side, while feindlich also suggests a hostile or aggressive relationship. For mere opposing positions, gegnerisch is therefore usually more appropriate.
Im politischen Streit stand die gegnerische Gruppe unserer Bewegung gegenüber.
In the political dispute, the opposing group stood against our movement.
Im politischen Konflikt stand die feindliche Gruppe unserer Bewegung gegenüber.
In the political conflict, the hostile group stood against our movement.
