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counterfactual

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The definition of counterfactual is something that is contrary to the truth or that did not actually occur.

(adjective)

When Brian was the one responsible for stealing the car and you instead tell the story as if Joe was responsible for stealing the car, this is an example of a time when you give a counterfactual account of events.

A counterfactual is defined as a statement that is not true.

(noun)

In the sentence "If dogs had no ears, they could not hear" the statement "if dogs had no ears" is an example of a counterfactual because dogs DO have ears..

See counterfactual in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

contrary to the facts of an event, situation, etc.

noun

a counterfactual idea, assumption, or argument

See counterfactual in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Running contrary to the facts: “Cold war historiography vividly illustrates how the selection of the counterfactual question to be asked generally anticipates the desired answer” (Timothy Garton Ash).

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