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counterinterpretation

counterinterpretation

9.2
An explanation that disagrees with an earlier view
  • noun
  • /ˌkaʊntərˌɪntərprɪˈteɪʃən/
translation icon : contrainterpretación
  • The lawyer presented a compelling counterinterpretation that challenged the prosecution's narrative.

Examples

  • Because skill and knowledge differences between the groups might have existed prior to treatment, pretests were administered, and the data were adjusted for statistical analysis (ANCOVA) to rule out a counterinterpretation that differences between groups at post-test were due to initial differences and not to the treatment effect (Shavelson, 1981).

    Academic text (1993)
  • The form, meaning, and placement provide a counterinterpretation to that of the perpendicular monolith speaking for women.

    Academic text (2000)
  • Denying the possibility of a counterinterpretation implies a very powerful exercise of faith.

    Blog text (3)
  • In her analysis, the researcher offered a counterinterpretation that contradicted the prevailing theory in the field.

  • The critic's counterinterpretation of the novel sparked a lively debate among literary scholars.

Synonyms

counterargument
vscounterinterpretation
11 5.1

A reason that disagrees with another reason in a discussion

emphasizes opposing understanding or explanation instead of just reasons
counterview
vscounterinterpretation
6.6

An opinion that disagrees with another view

focuses on an opposing explanation or understanding rather than mere opinion
counterposition
vscounterinterpretation
8.2

An argument that opposes another idea

expresses opposing explanation or understanding rather than a formal stance
counterhypothesis
vscounterinterpretation
  • Specialized
8.4

An idea that challenges another scientific explanation

offers an opposing explanation or understanding rather than a speculative theory

Surface Forms

Morphology

counterinterpretation = interpretation (transparent) = counter + interpretation

The meaning follows directly from 'counter-' (opposing) + 'interpretation' (an explanation), so learners who know those parts can infer the sense.

Etymology

Counterinterpretation combines the prefix counter-, meaning 'against', and interpretation, meaning 'explanation', as in counterargument or counterattack. So a counterinterpretation is an 'explanation that goes against' another explanation.