elenchus

[ih-leng-kuhs]

noun

plural

elenchi 

1. a logical refutation; an argument that refutes another argument by proving the contrary of its conclusion.

elenchus

/ ɪˈlɛŋkəs /

noun

1. refutation of an argument by proving the contrary of its conclusion, esp syllogistically

2. the drawing out of the consequences of a position in order to show them to be contrary to some accepted position

Word History and Origins

Origin of elenchus¹

1655–65; < Latin < Greek élenchos refutation

Word History and Origins

Origin of elenchus¹

C17: from Latin, from Greek elenkhos refutation, from elenkhein to put to shame, refute

Related Words

• rebuttal