Counterexample (Noun)
Meaning
Refutation by example.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The philosopher presented a counterexample to the theory that all humans are selfish, citing the selfless actions of Mother Teresa.
- The mathematician found a counterexample to the proposed theorem, forcing the team to re-examine their proof.
- The economist argued that the new policy would lead to economic growth, but her opponent provided a counterexample from a similar policy that had failed in the past.
- The student claimed that all mammals give birth to live young, but the teacher provided a counterexample with the platypus, which lays eggs.
- The scientist proposed a new law of physics, but a colleague quickly found a counterexample that contradicted the proposed law.