entgegen
Translation
contrary to, against, towards
Examples
Entgegen meiner Erwartung kam er pünktlich.
Contrary to my expectation, he arrived on time.
Er lief dem Wind entgegen.
He ran against the wind.
Grammar Patterns
((entgegen + dative)) contrary to Contrary to the doctor's advice, he continues to smoke.
((dative + entgegen)) towards She is walking towards the exit.
Similar Words
Synonyms: gegen, wider, zuwider; Antonyms: gemäß, laut
Etymology
Composed of the prefix 'ent-' (often indicating opposition) and 'gegen' (against). Literally 'facing against'.
Memory Tips
You can see the word 'gegen' (against) inside it. The 'ent-' prefix reinforces the idea of moving towards or in opposition to something.