adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of Socratic
1630–40; < Latin Sōcraticus < Greek Sōkratikós of, pertaining to Socrates; see -ic
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.
Under pressure from critics, generative AI developers have begun building so-called "Socratic" functions into their models, which for now remain mostly aimed at students.
From Barron's ● Jul. 15, 2026
Professors at the small, private, third-tier law school I attended in the 1980s employed the Socratic method to force us to argue both sides of an issue.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 17, 2026
It was there he learned the Socratic method of inquiry by oral combat that would underlie both his remarkable achievements and the harsh judgments that would precipitate his fall from grace.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 7, 2025
I was scared about whether, even with my hearing aids, I would be able to keep up with the quick-fire exchanges that fill my classroom as I engage law students in the Socratic method.
From Slate ● Oct. 20, 2024
A Socratic dialogue raged within him: How unusual was the resulting position if he followed that particular line?
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
