Counterintuitive
The word 'counterintuitive' describes something that seems to contradict common sense, logical reasoning, or widely held expectations. It often involves a conclusion or outcome that initially appears illogical or improbable, yet upon closer examination or through experience, is revealed to be true or effective. A counterintuitive concept challenges our preconceived notions and forces us to reconsider established assumptions. It highlights the limitations of our intuitive understanding of the world and encourages a deeper, more nuanced analysis of complex situations. The element of surprise or unexpectedness is often associated with counterintuitive phenomena, making them both fascinating and thought-provoking. The implications are also often far-reaching, sometimes involving the unexpected nature of outcomes and results of the process or circumstances in question.
Counterintuitive meaning with examples
- Investing a larger sum upfront to save money later on a large purchase may seem counterintuitive. One might think delaying the expense makes sense, however buying a larger volume often secures significant discounts, resulting in substantial long-term savings when factoring in the initial outlay and eventual savings.
- The counterintuitive approach of letting a crying baby 'cry it out' might seem cruel, but research indicates that for many infants, this method, while emotionally difficult, can help them learn to self-soothe and sleep through the night, ultimately improving the child's sleep habits.
- While it may feel counterintuitive to increase advertising spend during an economic downturn, some companies find they can gain market share by doing so. Reduced competition can mean a greater return on investment and building a loyal customer base for the future.
- Using a complex AI algorithm for a simple task may seem counterintuitive, but this approach could save time, money and potentially improve the product of the task in the long run. A complicated approach could lead to a smoother process.
