Countersense

/ˈkaʊntərˌsɛns/ noun

Definition

A meaning or interpretation that opposes or contradicts the obvious or literal sense of something.

Etymology

From counter- + sense (from Latin sensus, feeling or meaning). A relatively rare term combining the prefix with the idea of semantic meaning.

Kelly Says

Countersense explains why idioms are so confusing—'raining cats and dogs' makes no literal sense, but has a countersense meaning everyone understands.

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