nounnoun

der Gegenpol, -e

counterpart · counterbalance

Eine Person, Sache oder Idee, die das genaue Gegenteil von einer anderen ist.

Definition & meaning

A Gegenpol is an opposing or contrasting counterpart: a person, idea, force, or position that stands in contrast to another. It can describe a literal opposite pole, but is often used figuratively.

Grammar & Word origin

Masculine noun: der Gegenpol; plural die Gegenpole.

The compound combines gegen (“against” or “opposite”) and Pol (“pole”). Its literal sense is “opposite pole.”

Synonyms & antonyms

Gegensatz — an opposition or contrast, often an abstract difference rather than a contrasting counterpart.
Gegenteil — the opposite of something; it emphasizes being contrary rather than serving as a counterpart.
Pendant — a corresponding counterpart, which may match or complement something without necessarily opposing it.
Antipode — an opposite or direct counterpart, often with a stronger sense of being at the other extreme.

There is no single, standard antonym. Depending on context, a complementary or matching counterpart may be described as a Pendant , but it is not a direct antonym.