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

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

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

From Salon

Related Words

• adage
• aphorism
• axiom
• maxim
• precept