👉 Counterappeal, as you've mentioned, refers to something that, when compared to another idea or suggestion, appears to be a significant improvement, but is actually less effective or compelling. It's like trying to buy something while the other offers a better deal, and both seem to be the same thing.
Here’s an example: Say you're trying to decide whether to go out for dinner with your friends after work. One option is to have pizza and fries at home, which might be more convenient but less exciting than ordering a fancy steak. The restaurant across the street has a great menu of appetizers, sides, and desserts, offering something more adventurous that would satisfy both.
Counterappeal in this context is that it's not as satisfying or tasty, because the main dish doesn't stand out much and you have to choose from a bunch of options. It seems like your friends are enjoying their meal at home while you're going to eat a less appealing dinner.
This counterappeal can be unsettling for some people who might feel like they’re being tricked into something more expensive or better than what's actually available, especially if the initial offer seemed too good to be true. It highlights the importance of comparing apples and oranges in real life situations where money is involved.