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

Putting the experience of making “Faces of Death” in perspective, Goldhaber references Jean-Luc Godard’s famous dictum that every film is a documentary of its own making.

From Los Angeles Times

She followed her father’s dictums on health: Modern medicine was nearly useless, and the “good body” would heal itself.

From The Wall Street Journal

His war aims run athwart the Napoleonic dictum: If you set out to take Vienna, take Vienna.

From The Wall Street Journal

In between, she violates her professional dictum of avoiding emotional attachment by falling for Alfredo, who offers true love.

From The Wall Street Journal

The government held, and Hamilton got the economy running again using Bagehot’s dictum External link: “Lend freely, at a penalty rate, against good collateral.”

From Barron's

Related Words

• adage
• aphorism
• axiom
• maxim
• precept