defying reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defying reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions, beliefs, or situations that go against logical thinking or rationality. Example: "His decision to invest all his savings in a failing business was truly defying reason."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Books

Opinion

Lifestyle

Tech

Film

Style

Education

Sport

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The set's most gripping performance came on a Dave Matthews cover (defying reason, I know).

The New York Times - Arts

Baseball's epic collapses — the list includes the Mets' blowing a seven-game lead with 17 games left in the 2007 season and the Tigers' yielding first place after 164 straight days of occupying it during the 2009 season — are often marked by a momentum that cannot be stopped, defying reason and the odds and adequate explanation.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The numbers defy reason.

The New York Times - Sports

They also defy reason.

The New York Times - Books

But superstition defies reason.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Such cruelty defies reason.

The Guardian - Opinion

Intended to defy reason, it does.

The New Yorker

Even that job description defies reason.

The New York Times - Books

Often, our fears defy reason and statistics.

The Guardian - Opinion

That innings defied reason, sense, history, technique and precedent.

The Guardian - Sport

The moment defies reason and thwarts syntax, reason's trusted viceroy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defying reason" to describe actions or events that seem to contradict logical expectations or established patterns. This can add emphasis to the unexpected or absurd nature of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "defying reason" in situations where a simpler phrase like "doesn't make sense" would suffice. The phrase carries a connotation of something deeply paradoxical or fundamentally at odds with logic, and its overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defying reason" functions as a verb phrase acting as a predicate adjective, often describing a noun or situation that is illogical or incomprehensible. It emphasizes a departure from rational expectations. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Opinion

10%

Books

8%

Less common in

Sports

5%

Lifestyle

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defying reason" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to depict events or actions that contradict logical expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news, books and media sources and is most effective when emphasizing disbelief or highlighting exceptional circumstances. When writing, ensure the context warrants the phrase's strong connotation to avoid overuse. Alternatives such as "contrary to logic" or "irrational" can provide similar meaning while maintaining clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defying logic

Focuses on the contradiction with logical principles.

contrary to logic

This alternative highlights the opposition to logical principles.

illogical

A straightforward adjective describing something not logical.

irrational

This emphasizes the lack of rationality or sound judgment.

against all reason

Highlights a stronger sense of opposition and the complete lack of reason.

flies in the face of reason

This alternative indicates a bold contradiction or disregard for reason.

makes no sense

A simpler, more direct way to express a lack of logical coherence.

boggles the mind

Emphasizes the incomprehensibility and astonishment caused.

unfathomable

This suggests something is difficult or impossible to understand.

beyond comprehension

Similar to 'unfathomable', indicating a difficulty in understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "defying reason" in a sentence?

You can use "defying reason" to describe situations or actions that contradict logical expectations or established patterns, such as "The team's comeback victory was "defying reason", as they were down by 20 points with only five minutes left."

What are some alternatives to "defying reason"?

Alternatives include "contrary to logic", "irrational", or "makes no sense", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "defying reason" or "defying logic"?

Both "defying reason" and "defying logic" are correct and very similar in meaning. The choice depends on personal preference or the specific context, though "defying reason" might be perceived as slightly broader in scope.

What does it mean when something is described as "defying reason"?

When something is described as "defying reason", it means that it contradicts or goes against what would be expected or understood based on logical thought and rational principles.