counterfactual

counterfactual
1. adjective /ˌkaʊntɚˈfæktʃuəl,ˌkaʊn.tə(ɹ)ˈfæk.tʃu.əl/
Contrary to the facts; untrue.
2. noun /ˌkaʊntɚˈfæktʃuəl,ˌkaʊn.tə(ɹ)ˈfæk.tʃu.əl/
a) A claim, hypothesis, or other belief that is contrary to the facts.

In recent years there has been increasing discussion of the "problem of counterfactuals". One way of formulating this problem is as follows: "What is meant when one asserts a conditional statement, the antecedent of which is contrary to fact?"

b) A conditional statement in which the conditional clause is false, as "If I had arrived on time . . .".

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