counterphrase

Counterphrase is a term used in linguistics and discourse analysis to describe a phrase designed to counter or challenge a preceding utterance. It functions as a quick, reformulative response that negates, reframes, or reorients the original claim. Counterphrases may operate at the level of content (arguing against the assertion) or stance (changing the speaker’s position). They are common in everyday conversation, debates, and online discourse, and can range from direct negation to more nuanced reframing.

Examples: If someone says "This approach will fail," a counterphrase might be "That approach can succeed in certain contexts" or "Failure is not inevitable here." If another person says "We cannot do this," a counterphrase could be "We can do this with proper planning." The effectiveness depends on context, tone, and shared assumptions.

In discourse studies, counterphrases are analyzed for how they manage commitment, face, and alignment. They differ from formal counterarguments in that they are often immediate, terse responses that reposition the discussion rather than systematically present evidence. They can be constructive, helping to steer conversation toward common ground, or adversarial, contributing to conflict.

Etymology: formed from 'counter' + 'phrase'. See also counterargument, rebuttal, response strategy.