German word

gegnerisch

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈgeːgnəʁɪʃ/

Meaning

  • adjectiveadversarial

Example

Zwischen den Gruppen herrschte gegnerische Stimmung.

There was an adversarial atmosphere between the groups.

Illustration for gegnerisch (adversarial)

More examples

Auf der Debatte gab es viele gegnerische Reaktionen.

There were many adversarial reactions during the debate.

Core concept

Two sides face each other across a line, with one side acting against the other.

Common phrases

  • gegnerische Reaktionen

    adversarial reactions

  • das gegnerische Lager

    the adversarial camp

  • gegnerische Meinungen

    adversarial opinions

Similar words

feindlich: Clearly hostile toward someone regarded as an enemy.
konfrontativ: Ready to face opposition and engage in direct conflict.
abweisend: Keeping others at a cold distance and avoiding contact.
ablehnend: Rejecting an offer or proposal rather than accepting it.

Definition in German

Jemandem gegenüber ablehnend oder feindlich gesinnt; die Haltung eines Gegners ausdrückend.

Word origin

Gegnerisch is formed from Gegner, meaning opponent, with the adjective-forming suffix -isch; Gegner comes from gegen, meaning against, plus -er.

Usage tips

  • Gegnerisch can describe an opposing team, party, or position without implying personal hatred, while feindlich is more explicitly hostile.

Other meanings

  • hostileadjective
  • opposingadjective

Opposites

  • freundlichfriendlyadjective
  • unterstützendsupportiveadjective

Related words

  • Gegneropponentnoun
  • Gegnerinfemale opponentnoun

Word lists with this word