contrary to reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrary to reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, argument, or belief that does not align with logical thinking or rationality. Example: "His decision to invest in that failing company was truly contrary to reason."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Hume also attempts in the Treatise to establish the other anti-rationalist thesis, that virtue is not the same as reasonableness and vice is not contrary to reason.

SEP

Collins, for example, claims that the distinction between reasonable propositions and "things above, and things contrary to reason" is the distinction that theologians use on behalf of mysteries and theological contradictions against those who say that they can only believe what they understand.

SEP

When Hume claims... that such preferences are not contrary to reason, he is forgetting, or mis-stating, his normative beliefs.

The New Yorker

It is contrary to reason and to justice to require that people lay aside their scruples at the precise moment when those scruples are put to the test.

The New York Times

" 'Tis not contrary to reason," Hume once said, "to prefer the destruction of the whole world to the scratching of my finger".

The New Yorker

As he colourfully put it, "Tis not contrary to reason to prefer the destruction of the whole world to the scratching of my finger".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

When we say that the coercer leaves the coercee "no choice," we don't necessarily mean that the coercee is literally unable to choose, but that for the coercee to choose otherwise than the coercer demands would be contrary to practical reason (Fowler 1982, 331).

SEP

"Utterly or obviously senseless, contrary to all reason," said another.

Huffington Post

Contrary to all reason, this bold arrangement proved successful and two years later they're releasing their debut album Boo.

Vice

That is, reasons for love are pro tanto: they are a part of the overall reasons we have for acting, and it is up to us in exercising our capacity for agency to decide what on balance we have reason to do or even whether we shall act contrary to our reasons.

SEP

So a passion cannot be contrary to truth and reason.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contrary to reason", ensure the context clearly establishes what constitutes the rational or logical alternative. This provides a stronger contrast and clarifies the extent of the deviation from sound judgment.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary to reason" when describing purely subjective preferences or matters of taste, as it implies an objective standard of rationality that may not exist in such cases. Instead, use it when referring to failures in logical deduction or demonstrable factual errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to reason" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something opposes logical thought or sound judgment. Ludwig's examples show it describing decisions, beliefs, and actions that deviate from what is considered rational.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contrary to reason" serves to describe something that opposes logical thinking or sound judgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. Typically found in neutral to formal contexts like news, encyclopedias, and scientific discourse, its frequency is uncommon. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes the rational alternative to strengthen the contrast. Alternatives include "irrational", "illogical", and "absurd". Steer clear of subjective contexts and overuse to maintain precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irrational

Single word alternative that describes something lacking reason or sound judgment.

illogical

Emphasizes the lack of logical consistency.

absurd

Highlights the ridiculous or nonsensical nature of something.

unreasonable

Suggests a lack of fairness or moderation in thought or action.

defies logic

A more emphatic way of saying something does not follow logical principles.

against logic

Implies a direct opposition to logical thinking.

nonsensical

Indicates a complete lack of meaning or sense.

preposterous

Describes something utterly absurd or outrageous.

in defiance of reason

Highlights a deliberate rejection of rational thought.

at odds with reason

Indicates a state of conflict or incompatibility with rational thought.

FAQs

How can I use "contrary to reason" in a sentence?

Use "contrary to reason" to describe actions, beliefs, or arguments that go against logical thinking or established facts. For example: "His decision to drop out of college after only one semester was "contrary to reason", given his academic success."

What are some alternatives to "contrary to reason"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "irrational", "illogical", "absurd", or "unreasonable". Each carries slightly different nuances in meaning.

Is it correct to say "against reason" instead of "contrary to reason"?

"Against reason" is a simpler, but equally valid, alternative. While "contrary to reason" is more formal, "against reason" carries the same essential meaning and can be used interchangeably in many contexts.

What's the difference between "contrary to reason" and "unreasonable"?

"Unreasonable" often implies a lack of fairness or moderation, while "contrary to reason" specifically denotes a deviation from logical thinking or established facts. Something can be "unreasonable" without necessarily being "contrary to reason", and vice versa.