kontern
Translation
to counter, to retort, to counter-attack
Examples
Er konnte auf die Frage schnell kontern.
He was able to quickly counter the question.
Die Mannschaft konterte und schoss ein Tor.
The team counter-attacked and scored a goal.
Grammar Patterns
((auf+4)) to counter (sth.) He was able to quickly counter the question.
(intransitive) to counter-attack The team countered and scored a goal.
Similar Words
Synonyms: erwidern (to reply), entgegnen (to retort); Antonyms: zustimmen (to agree), nachgeben (to give in)
Etymology
From French 'contrer', from Latin 'contra' (against).
Memory Tips
Think of a 'counter' punch in boxing or a 'counter-argument' in a debate. The word is very similar to its English counterpart.