counterfactual
Relating to what has not happened but could, would, or might have occurred under different conditions
Examples
In a meeting
“Let's do a counterfactual analysis: what if we had launched in Q3 instead?”
Over coffee
“It's pointless to engage in counterfactual thinking about what might have been.”
Why this word
hypothetical
counterfactual specifically refers to contrary-to-fact conditionals, while hypothetical is any supposed scenario
imaginary
counterfactual denotes scenarios explicitly contrary to what actually occurred, while imaginary is vague about relationship to reality
alternative
counterfactual specifies a scenario contrary to actual facts, while alternative just means another option without implying factual status
Usage tip
Use when analyzing alternative scenarios or hypothetical situations contrary to what actually occurred
Etymology
Latin: counter (contrary to) + factual (relating to facts)
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Related words
synthesis
The combining of separate elements to form a coherent whole
syllogism
A logical argument with two premises leading to a conclusion
empiricism
The belief that knowledge comes from observation and experience
paradox
A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true
premise
An underlying assumption on which reasoning is based
dogma
A principle or belief accepted without question