argumentum ad hominem

British  

/ ˌɑːɡjʊˈmɛntʊm æd ˈhɒmɪˌnɛm /

noun

1. fallacious argument that attacks not an opponent's beliefs but his motives or character

2. argument that shows an opponent's statement to be inconsistent with his other beliefs

3. an instance of either of these

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Etymology

Origin of argumentum ad hominem

literally: argument to the person

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

argumentum ad hominem

But an argumentum ad hominem is never a satisfactory form of reasoning, and it is worth while considering for a moment what is the value of prophecy or foresight in politics.

From A Leap in the Dark A Criticism of the Principles of Home Rule as Illustrated by the Bill of 1893 by Albert Venn Dicey

This was the argumentum ad hominem with a vengeance.

From Little Miss Grouch A Narrative Based on the Log of Alexander Forsyth Smith's Maiden Transatlantic Voyage by Raymond Moreau Crosby

This line of defence may, as against Home Rulers, be disposed of at once by an argumentum ad hominem.

From A Leap in the Dark A Criticism of the Principles of Home Rule as Illustrated by the Bill of 1893 by Albert Venn Dicey

The only argument she ever used with such, was the argumentum ad hominem, which saves the trouble of conviction by “giving over to hardness of heart.”

From Western Characters or Types of Border Life in the Western States by F.O.C. Darley

This would be a good argumentum ad hominem in order to avoid war.

From My Three Years in America by Johann Heinrich Andreas Hermann Albrecht Graf von Bernstorff

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