entgegnen

Entgegnen is a German verb meaning to reply, answer, or counter a statement or claim. It is used primarily in formal, journalistic, or literary contexts and often conveys a deliberate, argumentative response rather than a simple answer. The action can be directed at a person (jemandem entgegnen) or toward an asserted proposition, criticism, or proposal.

Grammatical usage can involve a person in the dative (jemandem entgegnen) and a following clause introduced by dass or a quotation, as in “Er entgegnete, dass er keine Zeit habe,” or with a prepositional complement such as “mit einer Gegenrede” or “mit einer Begründung.” In everyday speech it may appear with direct speech: “Sie entgegnete höflich: ‘Das sehe ich anders.’” The phrase can also be used to indicate a counterargument in response to a proposal or critique, for example, “Der Vorsitzende entgegnete dem Vorwurf mit einer Gegenrede.”

Etymology and nuance: entgegnen is formed with the prefix ent- and against-related elements, suggesting a reply that counters or meets an assertion. It is often chosen for a formal or rhetorical tone, and it can carry a sense of firmness or assertiveness. Synonyms or near-equivalents include erwidern, antworten, and retort, though entgegnen is typically more formal or literary in register.