dictum

[dik-tuhm]

noun

plural

dicta, dictums 

1. an authoritative pronouncement; judicial assertion.

   Synonyms: declaration, order, fiat, decree, edict

2. a saying; maxim.

   Synonyms: saw, truism, proverb, adage

3. obiter dictum.

dictum

/ ˈdɪktəm /

noun

1. a formal or authoritative statement or assertion; pronouncement

2. a popular saying or maxim

3. law See obiter dictum

Word History and Origins

Origin of dictum¹

1660–70; < Latin: something said, a saying, command, word, noun use of neuter past participle of dīcere to say, speak; index

Word History and Origins

Origin of dictum¹

C16: from Latin, from dīcere to say

Example Sentences

President Calvin Coolidge’s 1925 dictum—“the chief business of the American people is business”—had become a mantra.

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If Sagan’s dictum were true, we would need extraordinary evidence to prove we exist.

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And it included dicta — a nonbinding observation that can be cited as a “persuasive authority” in future litigation — that planted the seeds for preclearance’s demise.

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And judging by the crowds of tourists I encountered there last month, quite a few Americans have taken that dictum to heart.

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This basic dictum also aligns with the post-World War II American story.

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Related Words

• adage 
• aphorism 
• axiom 
• maxim 
• precept