counterintuitive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'counterintuitive' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not in line with what you would expect from a given situation. For example, "The solution to the problem was counterintuitive, making it difficult to come to the correct conclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And while the NSFW warning might often have served as pragmatic advice (behind which, admittedly, were ethical norms about workplace behaviour), the later injunctions not to click have a moral force that – just possibly – suggests something counterintuitive: the spread of ethical compunction across the basest, most sexually commodifying and amoral of all human inventions, the internet.

The Guardian

Throwing this stumbling block in the way of female artists is counterintuitive".

The Guardian - Books

There are plenty more counterintuitive nuggets where that came from.

The Guardian

As Marrero said: "There is something counterintuitive and incongruous in a party agreeing to settle a case for $600m if it truly did nothing wrong".

The Guardian - Opinion

Here's a counterintuitive fact: taking overdoses and saying we want to end it all doesn't necessarily mean we're depressed.

The Guardian

If companies are profit-making entities and the point of advertising is to sell products or services, then Patagonia's approach may seem counterintuitive.

The Guardian

So much has changed in the media landscape since summer 2011 that some will argue it is counterintuitive to care.

The Guardian

So it feels counterintuitive for a review of 26 studies to conclude that napping in children over two years of age may not be a good idea after all.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The feeling that it's a step back is shared by Ryan Lambert over at Yahoo! Sports, who says it was "the single worst, most pointless, counterproductive, and counterintuitive rule the sport of hockey has seen in last 30 years at least".

The Guardian - Sport

Such predictions seemed counterintuitive.

The Economist

However, a closer look reveals the counterintuitive possibility that high infant mortality in the United States might be the unintended side effect of increased spending on medical care.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "counterintuitive" to introduce ideas that challenge established assumptions or require a shift in perspective. This can add depth and intrigue to your writing, prompting readers to reconsider their initial understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "counterintuitive" to merely describe something that is hard to understand. Instead, reserve it for situations where the concept defies initial logic or common sense, even if it's not inherently complex.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "counterintuitive" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns by describing them as being contrary to what intuition or common sense would suggest. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "counterintuitive" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that goes against common sense or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and frequently used term. Its primary function is to highlight unexpected aspects, making it valuable in both formal and informal contexts. When using "counterintuitive", ensure that you are accurately representing a concept that genuinely defies initial logic, rather than simply labeling something as difficult. Alternatives like "contrary to expectation" or "paradoxical" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. By understanding its proper usage, you can effectively communicate ideas that challenge conventional thinking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

running counter to common sense

Directly opposes what is generally considered logical.

contrary to expectation

Focuses on the divergence from what is typically anticipated.

paradoxical

Emphasizes the seemingly contradictory nature of the concept.

defying logic

Implies a challenge to standard reasoning or understanding.

unconventional

Highlights the departure from established norms or practices.

incongruous

Highlights the lack of harmony or compatibility with expectations.

against the grain

Suggests resistance to prevailing trends or opinions.

surprising

Emphasizes the element of astonishment or unexpectedness.

anomalous

Indicates a deviation from the typical or expected.

unforeseen

Stresses the unexpected or unpredictable nature.

FAQs

How can I use "counterintuitive" in a sentence?

Use "counterintuitive" to describe something that goes against what one would expect. For instance, "It may seem "counterintuitive", but sometimes less is more".

What's a good synonym for "counterintuitive"?

Alternatives include "contrary to expectation", "paradoxical", or "unconventional". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "a bit counterintuitive"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to use "a bit counterintuitive" to indicate that something is only somewhat surprising or goes slightly against expectations. It softens the statement.

What is the difference between "counterintuitive" and "illogical"?

"Counterintuitive" describes something that goes against common sense or expectation, while "illogical" describes something that violates the rules of logic. Something can be "counterintuitive" but not necessarily illogical, and vice-versa.