ignoratio elenchi

noun

ig·​no·​ra·​tio elen·​chi ˌig-nə-ˈrä-tē-ˌō-i-ˈleŋ-ˌkē How to pronounce ignoratio elenchi (audio)
: a fallacy in logic of supposing a point proved or disproved by an argument proving or disproving something not at issue

Word History

Etymology

Latin, literally, ignorance of proof

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ignoratio elenchi was in 1588

Dictionary Entries Near ignoratio elenchi

ignorantism

ignoratio elenchi

ignoration

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Ignoratio elenchi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ignoratio%20elenchi. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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