counterfactual

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/ˌkaʊntɚˈfæktʃuəl/ English

Definitions

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, as "If I had arrived on time . . .".

adjective

Contrary to the facts; untrue.
Of or in comparison to a hypothetical state of the world.

Related words

Synonyms

conditional contrary to fact assumed intervener putative speculative hypothetical notional tentative conditionals postulated counterintuitive non-factual false contraintuitive nonfactual

Associated

subjunctive causality causation modal causal circumstance thinking indicative deterministic factual computation

References