dictum

[ dik-tuhm ]

noun

, plural dic·ta [dik, -t, uh], dic·tums.

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. See obiter dictum
   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

The selection includes dictums such as “there is virtue in pleasure,” lettered in neon script or inscribed into a mirror.

From Washington Post

Somehow I haven't been able to locate that dictum in the Quran, ahadith or sunan, but it must be there somewhere.

From The Daily Beast

"It is an obiter dictum," somebody said to me, apparently thinking that Latin would persuade me.

From The Daily Beast

In politics, the dictum ‘follow the money’ usually leads to uncomfortable truths.

From The Daily Beast

His basic dictum is that Palestinians must "prove" they are worthy of independence and human rights.

From The Daily Beast

That's mainly because the U.S. government said the no-fly dictum applied only to fixed-wing aircraft, not to helicopters.

From The Daily Beast

They will carry out the dictum of Carlyle that the modern university is a university of books.

From Project Gutenberg

Nothing can more clearly illustrate Napoleon's dictum, "A la guerre les hommes ne sont rien, c'est un homme qui est tout."

From Project Gutenberg

But we doubt whether this dictum enunciates sufficiently clearly the abstract value of morality.

From Project Gutenberg

The fallacy, therefore, is dicto secundum quid ad dictum simpliciter.

From Project Gutenberg

Ironice dictum, is Calvin's comment, and the words are at least intelligible if so taken.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• adage
• aphorism
• axiom
• maxim
• precept