Occam's razor

noun

1. the maxim that assumptions introduced to explain a thing must not be multiplied beyond necessity.

Occam's razor

noun

1. a variant spelling of Ockham's razor

Occam's razor

/ ŏk′əmz /

1. A rule in science and philosophy stating that entities should not be multiplied needlessly. This rule is interpreted to mean that the simplest of two or more competing theories is preferable and that an explanation for unknown phenomena should first be attempted in terms of what is already known. Occam's razor is named after the deviser of the rule, English philosopher and theologian William of Ockham (1285?–1349?).

Word History and Origins

Origin of Occam's razor¹

First recorded in 1900–05; after William of Occam

Example Sentences

It’s possible he's a true believer in this nonsense, but Occam's razor suggests that when politicians tell lies they do so for their own benefit.

From Salon

The pat dismissal of what appears to be obvious is suspicious in itself, and part of the reason that millions of boys are internalizing the Occam’s razor solution: They’re simply inferior.

From Salon

Occam’s razor likely wins out here: It was not a conspiracy, it was just an act of violence—a school shooting at a Trump rally.

From Slate

The scientific establishment, and more important its financial backers, have to use Occam’s razor and assume the latter — that the particle-accelerator game has somehow become rigged, and is therefore useless.

From New York Times

The puzzle here might have been solved by the application of Occam’s razor, had all the variables been known at the time.

From New York Times