elenchus
noun
a logical refutation; an argument that refutes another argument by proving the contrary of its conclusion.
elenchi
-
pluralof elenchus.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But others, by exhibiting what I may venture to describe as an ignoratio elenchi, have made it desirable to recall attention to the specific purport of my former letter.
From Letters to "The Times" upon War and Neutrality (1881-1920) by Sir Thomas Erskine Holland
To prove this is an ignoratio elenchi; what the Sophist undertakes to prove is that Achilles will never overtake it, and he really proves that Achilles passes it between the 111th and 112th yards.
From Logic, Inductive and Deductive by William Minto
The whole of Mr. Mansel’s argument for the inconceivability of the Infinite and of the Absolute is one long ignoratio elenchi.
From The Philosophy of the Conditioned by Henry Longueville Mansel
Define and illustrate:—Paralogism, ignoratio elenchi, fallacia accidentis, argumentum ad verecundiam, illicit process, undistributed middle, etc.
From Logic Deductive and Inductive by Carveth Read
The learned term the rhetorical device an ignoratio elenchi.
From The Morals of Marcus Ordeyne : a Novel by William John Locke
