entgegnete

Entgegnete is the simple past tense form of the German verb entgegnen. The verb means to reply, counter, or retort—often as a response that counters a claim or argument. In narrative or formal writing, entgegnete can convey a direct objection or corrective reply.

Grammatical notes: Entgegnen is conjugated regularly in the Präteritum. Examples include ich entgegnete, du entgegnetest, er entgegnete, wir entgegneten, ihr entgegnetet, sie entgegneten. In the present tense, the form is entgegnet (er entgegnet).

Origin and nuance: The word combines a prefix ent- with gegen (against), conveying a reply directed against a previous statement. It is akin to English countering, retorting, or answering in a disputatious context.

Usage: The term is common in historical narratives, formal correspondence, legal or logical discussions, and literary dialogue. It is less typical in casual spoken German, where simpler verbs like antworten or sagen are more frequent.

Example: Er entgegnete, er habe andere Belege vorgebracht. Translation: He replied that he had presented different evidence.