it defies reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it defies reason' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is so difficult to understand that it seems unreasonable. For example, "Why is he so angry with me? It defies reason."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

It defies reason and is shaped wholly by emotion, mainly rage.

Independent

Mountaineering is like a religious faith in one way, he said, because it defies reason.

The New York Times - Style

Even though it may seem crazy and it defies reason, rational logic and statistics, we all believe she's alive.

The New York Times

"Cromitie is not a particularly intelligent man, but it defies reason to think that he was unaware" that he was getting involved in terrorism, she wrote.

The New York Times

While not everyone will be convinced, Ms. Salomone argues compellingly that "it defies reason for government" to bar single-sex schooling.

The New York Times

It defies reason, but there are still some who think the chuckleheads who orchestrated the Iraq misadventure have wisdom to impart.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It defied reason that small reptiles would take on whirring leviathans whose gentlest tap may crush them and whose breath can blow them to kingdom come.

The New York Times

Whether it was a trick of the shadows that made you second guess yourself, a temperature change that somehow had you convinced that you were in the presence of a ghost -- or a light formation in the sky that spooked you just enough to think you'd seen something unearthly; whatever it was, it defied reason on a deeply personal level and thereby left you awed by its mysterious occurrence.

Huffington Post

It simply defies reason that nominees who have received absolutely no opposition from either party are sometimes forced to wait months for a simple up-or-down confirmation vote.

The New York Times

He also states, "[I]t defies reason to suggest that Section 3 makes it any more likely that heterosexual individuals will marry or raise children together".

Huffington Post

But superstition defies reason.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it defies reason", ensure the subject is clearly defined. Clarity about what exactly defies reason strengthens the sentence and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it defies reason" as a substitute for providing actual evidence or logical analysis. Back up your claim with supporting details to make your argument more persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it defies reason" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a strong disagreement with or disbelief in something by asserting its irrationality. Ludwig provides several examples across varied contexts where the phrase highlights the lack of logical justification.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it defies reason" is a common and effective way to express strong disagreement or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and well-suited for highlighting the illogical nature of something. Predominantly used in News & Media contexts, as shown by Ludwig examples, it's a neutral expression indicating that something contradicts rational thought. When using this phrase, ensure the subject is clear and provide supporting evidence to bolster your argument. Related phrases such as "it is utterly illogical" and "it makes no sense" can be used for similar effect, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's irrational

Simply states that something is not based on reason or logic.

it makes no sense

A straightforward way of saying something is incomprehensible or absurd.

it is utterly illogical

Emphasizes the complete lack of logic in something, making it senseless.

it is incomprehensible

Indicates that something cannot be understood, often due to complexity or obscurity.

it's beyond understanding

Highlights the difficulty or impossibility of comprehending something.

it flies in the face of logic

Highlights the direct contradiction of something with logical principles.

it beggars belief

Suggests something is so astonishing that it's hard to believe.

it's contrary to good sense

Implies that something goes against what is considered reasonable or sensible.

it strains credulity

Similar to "beggars belief", emphasizing the challenge to one's willingness to believe.

it's preposterous

Denotes something as utterly absurd or ridiculous.

FAQs

How can I use "it defies reason" in a sentence?

Use "it defies reason" to express that something is illogical or incomprehensible. For example, "It defies reason that anyone would support such a policy".

What does "it defies reason" mean?

"It defies reason" means that something is so illogical or absurd that it cannot be understood or justified through rational thought.

Which is correct, "it defies reason" or "it defies logic"?

Both phrases are correct and have similar meanings. "It defies reason" emphasizes the lack of rationale, while "it defies logic" highlights the contradiction of logical principles.

Are there situations where it is not appropriate to use "it defies reason"?

While generally acceptable, using "it defies reason" might be seen as overly assertive in some contexts. Consider a more nuanced expression if you're aiming for a less confrontational tone.