Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
counterfactual
adjective
/ˌkaʊntərˈfæktʃuəl/
Definition
A counterfactual is a concept used in reasoning about imaginary alternatives to events that have actually occurred.
Examples
- In a counterfactual scenario, we might explore how history would have changed if a major event had not happened.
- The researcher proposed a counterfactual analysis to evaluate the impact of the policy change.
Meaning
It refers to situations that consider what could have happened if something different had taken place.
Synonyms
- hypothetical
- alternative
- what-if
