entgegensehen

Definition & meaning

The verb entgegensehen is a separable German verb with two primary meanings:

1. To look forward to something: This is the most common usage, referring to awaiting an upcoming event or situation with a specific attitude (usually positive or expectant). It implies that the speaker is anticipating something to happen.
2. To face something: In a more formal or literal context, it can mean to encounter or confront a situation, often one that is difficult, challenging, or inevitable.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

• It is a separable verb (trennbares Verb). In a sentence, the prefix entgegen- moves to the end of the sentence in simple tenses.
  • Example: "Ich sehe dem Ereignis mit Freude entgegen." (I am looking forward to the event with joy.)
• It takes the dative case for the object being awaited.
• It is a strong verb. The stem change occurs in the present tense (du siehst entgegen), and the past participle is entgegengesehen.

Word origin:

• The word is composed of the prefix entgegen ↗ (towards, against) and the verb sehen ↗ (to see). Etymologically, it combines the concept of "looking" with the direction of "towards," implying that one's gaze or attention is directed toward a future point in time or a specific encounter.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• erwarten ↗ (to expect/await)
• entgegensehen (can also be expressed as "sich freuen auf" ↗ when the anticipation is positive)
• entgegenblicken ↗ (to look toward something)

Antonyms:

• verdrängen ↗ (to repress/ignore, in the context of avoiding thinking about the future)
• ignorieren ↗ (to ignore)