entgegengesetztem

Entgegengesetztem is a German adjective form meaning opposite or contrary. It is the dative singular inflection of entgegengesetzt, used when the adjective accompanies a masculine or neuter noun in the dative case, typically without a determiner or after certain prepositions that demand the dative.

Etymology and grammar: entgegengesetzt is a compound derived from entgegen- (toward against, opposing) and gesetzt (set). In German, adjectives change their endings to reflect case, gender, and determiner presence. In the dative singular without a determiner, the strong declension yields entgegengesetztem, as in mit entgegengesetztem Sinn (with an opposite sense). With a definite article, you would instead find dem entgegengesetzten Sinn (ending -en). With an indefinite article or another determiner, the ending remains -en in the dative singular masculine, e.g., einem entgegengesetzten Sinn or dem entgegengesetzten Plan.

Usage: The form entgegengesetztem appears in contexts describing something that is opposed in direction, position, or stance, often in combination with prepositions that govern the dative (mit, bei, zu, von, gegenüber in some usages). It is typical in formal or analytical writing to contrast positions, directions, or interpretations. The adjective can also be nominalized as das Entgegengesetzte, in which case it is capitalized and treated as a noun.

See also: entgegengesetzt as a base adjective; declension patterns of German adjectives; opposite Rationale in textual analysis.

---