adverse / repugnant
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adverse
Unfavorable, difficult, or hostile. Often used to describe circumstances, conditions, or weather that work against someone or something.
Trotz der widrigen Wetterverhältnisse erreichte die Expedition den Gipfel.
Despite the adverse weather conditions, the expedition reached the summit.
The adjective 'widrig' (adverse/repugnant) is derived from the preposition 'wider' (against). It therefore describes something that is directed against someone or something, or that opposes it.
Er kämpfte gegen den widrigen Wind an.
He struggled against the adverse wind.
'Widrig' (adverse/repugnant) belongs to elevated or formal language. In everyday colloquial speech, other words such as 'schwierig' (difficult) or 'schlecht' (bad) are often used.
Der Anwalt sprach von widrigen Vertragsbedingungen.
The lawyer spoke of adverse contract terms.
In the meaning 'ungünstig' (unfavorable), 'widrig' (adverse) is very often used in fixed combinations. The most common is 'widrige Umstände' (adverse circumstances), but 'widrige Bedingungen' (adverse conditions) or 'widriges Wetter' (adverse weather) are also typical.
Trotz widriger Umstände hat er sein Ziel erreicht.
Despite adverse circumstances, he achieved his goal.
You can recognize the meaning 'abstoßend' (repulsive) from the context. It usually refers to morally bad behavior or character traits, while the other meaning describes external conditions.
Seine Lügen und sein Verrat waren mir zutiefst widrig.
His lies and betrayal were deeply repugnant to me.
To express who finds something repugnant, a dative construction is often used: Something is 'jemandem widrig' (repugnant to someone).
Diese Art von Heuchelei ist mir einfach widrig.
This kind of hypocrisy is simply repugnant to me.
difficult
'schwierig' and 'widrig' can both say that something works against success or causes problems. 'schwierig' is very general and fits tasks, conversations, decisions, or life situations. 'widrig' is used especially for external circumstances or conditions, for example weather, traffic, or poor working conditions. It sounds somewhat more elevated and stronger than 'schwierig'. Learners may confuse the words because both express problems. A task is usually 'schwierig', but the conditions under which you have to do something can be 'widrig'.
Trotz widriger Wetterbedingungen kam das Team pünktlich am Ziel an.
Despite adverse weather conditions, the team arrived at the destination on time.
Die Planung im Büro ist im Sommer schwierig, weil viele Kollegen im Urlaub sind.
Planning in the office is difficult in the summer because many colleagues are on vacation.