ignotum per ignotius

/ ɪɡˈnəʊtʊm pər ɪɡˈnəʊtɪʊs /

noun

1. an explanation that is obscurer than the thing to be explained

Word History and Origins

Origin of ignotum per ignotius¹

literally: the unknown by means of the more unknown

Example Sentences

To explain market ratios by utility-curves is a case of ignotum per ignotius, so far as practical application is concerned.

From Project Gutenberg

However, in 20th century America, it does seem slightly ignotum per ignotius to reduce education to self-directed abortive confusion.

From Time Magazine Archive

And yet, it is well known to scientific geography that every stream has its own individual character.118.This would be to be guilty of explaining ignotum per ignotius.

From Project Gutenberg

This is what we want to know; and without it the mere juxtaposition of stories apparently similar is no more than the old trick of explaining ignotum per ignotius. 

From Project Gutenberg

It is evidently meant as a sportive sally of ridicule on Johnson, whose style is thus imitated, without being grossly overcharged:— 'It is easy to foresee, that the idle and illiterate will complain that I have increased their labours by endeavouring to diminish them; and that I have explained what is more easy by what is more difficult— ignotum per ignotius.

From Project Gutenberg