dictum

[ dik-tuhm ]

noun

, plural dic·ta [dik, -t, uh], dic·tums.

1. an authoritative pronouncement; judicial assertion.

   Synonyms: declaration, order, fiat, decree, edict

2. a saying; maxim.

   Synonyms: saw, truism, proverb, adage

3. obiter dictum.

dictum

/ ˈdɪktəm /

noun

1. a formal or authoritative statement or assertion; pronouncement
2. a popular saying or maxim
3. law See obiter dictum

Word History and Origins

Origin of dictum¹

1660–70; < Latin: something said, a saying, command, word, noun use of neuter past participle of dīcere to say, speak; index

Word History and Origins

Origin of dictum¹

C16: from Latin, from dīcere to say

Example Sentences

This will be a willful surrender to the age-old, patently illogical dictum that preparing for war is the necessary precondition for peace.

From Salon

Her solution to this problem is to declare this oft-cited statement “dictum” or a “passing remark.”

From Los Angeles Times

Cannon said that this was just “dicta” from the Supreme Court, language unnecessary to its holding, and that she was not bound by it.

From Los Angeles Times

The apes honor his memory and vow to keep his teachings, especially the first dictum — “ape not kill ape.”

From New York Times

“These people could not get to performances, so we went to them,” she said, echoing Ailey’s dictum that dance “came from the people” and “should always be delivered back to the people.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• adage
• aphorism
• axiom
• maxim
• precept