antworten vs entgegnen
German word comparison
Listen to antworten
Listen to entgegnen
| antworten | entgegnen |
|---|---|
an-TWOR-ten verb | /ɛntˈɡeːɡnən/ verb |
| to reply; to answer (a question, message, etc.) | to reply, typically with a counter-argument or objection to a previous statement |
How they differ
Entgegnen emphasizes a reactive reply that often contradicts or opposes the previous statement; antworten is broader and can be neutral without any oppositional tone.
When to use each
When to use antworten: Use antworten for general replies that do not necessarily contradict the previous speaker.
When to use entgegnen: Use entgegnen when the reply is intended to object to, contradict, or counter what was said.
Side-by-side examples
- Er antwortete ruhig.
(He answered calmly.) - Er entgegnete heftig, dass das nicht stimme.
(He retorted vehemently that that was not true.)
Register & nuance: Entgegnen is somewhat formal and often used in reported speech or written accounts of dialogue; it signals a contrasting or opposing reply.