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Core action
Conflict with or oppose a principle, expectation, trend, or body of evidence.
Example
The claim runs counter to the available evidence.
run counter to
/rʌn ˈkaʊntə tuː/ · run KOWN-tur tooconflict phrase
Conflict with or oppose a principle, expectation, trend, or body of evidence.
Use run counter to to express this relationship precisely: conflict with or oppose a principle, expectation, trend, or body of evidence.
What run counter to Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
The decision runs counter to established practice.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
The observed increase runs counter to the predicted trend.
Use run counter to Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The claim runs counter to the available evidence.
The decision runs counter to established practice.
The observed increase runs counter to the predicted trend.
Precision Matters
Run counter to overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
run counter to
vs.Means conflict with or oppose a principle, expectation, trend, or body of evidence.
contrary to
Means in opposition to, or different from, what is stated or expected.
run counter to
vs.Means conflict with or oppose a principle, expectation, trend, or body of evidence.
be incompatible with
Means be unable to coexist, agree, or function together.
run counter to
vs.Means conflict with or oppose a principle, expectation, trend, or body of evidence.
in contrast
Means introduce a clear difference from the preceding case, pattern, or claim.
run counter to
vs.Means conflict with or oppose a principle, expectation, trend, or body of evidence.
antithetical
Means directly opposed in character, principle, or effect.
Test run counter to in Context
The conclusion conflicts with the entire body of evidence.
1
The conclusion appears to ___ every independently dated record from the site.