circular definition


nounLogic.
  1. a definition in which the definiendum (the expression being defined) or a variant of it appears in the definiens (the expression that defines it).

Words Nearby circular definition

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use circular definition in a sentence

  • This, however, is a circular definition: it assumes that we already know what is meant by 'known premisses'.

    The Problems of Philosophy | Bertrand Russell