dictum

American  

[dik-tuhm] / ˈdɪk təm /

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.

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dictum British  

/ ˈdɪktəm /

noun

1. a formal or authoritative statement or assertion; pronouncement

2. a popular saying or maxim

3. law See obiter dictum

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Etymology

Origin of dictum

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

Example Sentences

Write what you know, goes the dictum, and according to Mr. Pearl “some of this happened.”

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From Salon

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

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• adage
• aphorism
• axiom
• maxim
• precept