counterintuitive

American  

[koun-ter-in-too-i-tiv, -tyoo-] / ˌkaʊn tər ɪnˈtu ɪ tɪv, -ˈtyu- /

adjective

1. counter to what intuition would lead one to expect.

   The direction we had to follow was counterintuitive—we had to go north first before we went south.

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counterintuitive British  

/ ˌkaʊntərɪnˈtjuːɪtɪv /

adjective

1. (of an idea, proposal, etc) seemingly contrary to common sense

2. intelligence collected about enemy espionage

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Etymology

Origin of counterintuitive

First recorded in 1960–65; counter- + intuitive

Example Sentences

Gold’s price fall may seems counterintuitive as it is typically considered a haven against geopolitical risks.

From Barron's

Gold’s price fall may seems counterintuitive as it is typically considered a haven against geopolitical risks.

From Barron's

The energy finding seems counterintuitive, but by Barclays’ math, energy stocks are already trading as though crude were selling for more than $100 a barrel.

From Barron's

The energy finding seems counterintuitive, but by Barclays’ math, energy stocks are already trading as though crude were selling for more than $100 a barrel.

From Barron's

Gold’s decline would appear counterintuitive since it is typically thought of as a haven to geopolitical risks.

From Barron's

Related Words

• unreasonable