counterexample
|coun-ter-ex-am-ple|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈkaʊntərɪɡˌzæmpəl/
🇬🇧
/ˈkaʊntərɪɡˌzɑːmpəl/
An example that disproves
Etymology
Etymology Information
'counterexample' originates from the combination of 'counter-' meaning 'against' and 'example', which comes from Latin 'exemplum', meaning 'sample' or 'pattern'.
Historical Evolution
'counterexample' was formed in English by combining 'counter-' with 'example', which was derived from the Latin word 'exemplum'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'an example against', and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an example that refutes or disproves a proposition or theory.
The mathematician provided a counterexample to the theorem.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39