counterfactual Meaning & Definition
/ˌkaʊntɚˈfæktʃuəl/
What Does Counterfactual Mean?
As an adjective, counterfactual means Contrary to known or agreed facts; untrue. It is also used to mean Of or in comparison to a hypothetical state of the world. As a noun, it means A claim, hypothesis, or other belief that is contrary to the facts. As a noun, it means A conditional statement in which the conditional clause is false, as "If I had arrived on time . . .".
Counterfactual: Key Facts
| Part of speech | adjective, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˌkaʊntɚˈfæktʃuəl/ |
| Synonyms | conditional and contrary to fact |
| Plural | counterfactuals |
Counterfactual Definition (Adjective)
- Contrary to known or agreed facts; untrue.
- Of or in comparison to a hypothetical state of the world.
Counterfactual as a Noun
- A claim, hypothesis, or other belief that is contrary to the facts.
- A hypothetical state of the world, used to assess the impact of an action.
- A conditional statement in which the conditional clause is false.
Noun
- A conditional statement in which the conditional clause is false, as "If I had arrived on time . . .".
Adjective
- Contrary to the facts; untrue.
Synonyms of Counterfactual
Counterfactual synonyms and antonyms →Word Forms & Grammar
counterfactual (not comparable)
counterfactual (plural counterfactuals)
Origin of Counterfactual
From counter- + factual.
Questions People Ask About Counterfactual
Is counterfactual an adjective or a noun?
Counterfactual is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for counterfactual?
Words with a similar meaning to counterfactual include conditional and contrary to fact. See the full list of counterfactual synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of counterfactual?
The plural of counterfactual is counterfactuals.