Tegenover

Tegenover is a Dutch preposition and adverb that denotes a spatial or figurative relation. In its most common sense, it means opposite or across from something, indicating that one object is on the other side of another object. It can also be used in a figurative sense to express contrast or comparison, as in phrases that translate to “in contrast to” or “in relation to.”

In spatial use, tegen over is followed by a noun phrase to indicate position. Examples include: De apotheek is tegenover het station (The pharmacy is opposite the station) and Het bankje staat tegenover het raam (The bench is across from the window). It is also used to describe facing people or objects, such as Zij zaten tegenover elkaar aan tafel (They sat opposite each other at the table). The construction tegen over staan is common in contexts that express opposition or confrontation, for example De partijen staan tegenover elkaar (The parties stand opposite each other).

In a figurative sense, tegen over can express contrast with expectations or standards. For instance, tegenover de verwachtingen translates to “contrary to expectations.” It can also convey a stance or position toward a proposal, policy, or problem, as in being confronted with or opposed to an issue.

Etymology and orthography: tegenover is a compound of tegen (against) and over (over, across). In older usage it appeared as two words, but today it is typically written as één woord in Dutch. Related expressions include tegenover elkaar, tegenover de straat, or tegen de verwachting in.

See also: opposite, across from, facing, in contrast with, vs. (notation for comparative or oppositional usage in Dutch).