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elenchus
[ ih-leng-kuhs ]
/ ɪˈlɛŋ kəs /
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noun, plural e·len·chi [ih-leng-kahy, -kee]. /ɪˈlɛŋ kaɪ, -ki/.
a logical refutation; an argument that refutes another argument by proving the contrary of its conclusion.
QUIZ
SHALL WE PLAY A "SHALL" VS. "SHOULD" CHALLENGE?
Should you take this quiz on “shall” versus “should”? It should prove to be a quick challenge!
Question 1 of 6
Which form is used to state an obligation or duty someone has?
Origin of elenchus
1655–65; <Latin <Greek élenchos refutation
Words nearby elenchus
elementary particles, elementary process, elementary school, elemi, Elena, elenchus, elenctic, Elenore, eleoma, eleoptene, elepaio
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use elenchus in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for elenchus
elenchus
/ (ɪˈlɛŋkəs) /
noun plural -chi (-kaɪ) logic
refutation of an argument by proving the contrary of its conclusion, esp syllogistically
Socratic elenchus the drawing out of the consequences of a position in order to show them to be contrary to some accepted position
Word Origin for elenchus
C17: from Latin, from Greek elenkhos refutation, from elenkhein to put to shame, refute
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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