sorites

[ saw-rahy-teez, soh- ]

noun

, Logic.

1. a form of argument having several premises and one conclusion, capable of being resolved into a chain of syllogisms, the conclusion of each of which is a premise of the next.

sorites

/ sɒˈraɪtiːz; sɒˈrɪtɪkəl /

noun

1. logic
   1. a polysyllogism in which the premises are arranged so that intermediate conclusions are omitted, being understood, and only the final conclusion is stated
   2. a paradox of the form

      these few grains of sand do not constitute a heap, and the addition of a single grain never makes what is not yet a heap into a heap: so no matter how many single grains one adds it never becomes a heap

Derived Forms

• soritical, adjective

Other Words From

• so·rit·i·cal [saw-, rit, -i-k, uh, l, soh-], so·ritic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sorites¹

1545–55; < Latin sōrītēs < Greek sōreítēs literally, heaped, piled up, derivative of sōrós a heap

Word History and Origins

Origin of sorites¹

C16: via Latin from Greek sōreitēs, literally: heaped, from sōros a heap

Example Sentences

However, the bigger danger for conservatives is a different philosophical blunder, known as the sorites paradox.

From Washington Post

The sorites model helps explain how we can gradually end up in a dire state through inaction.

From New York Times

Sorites sins can creep up on well-intentioned people.

From New York Times

Sorites sins can rock relationships.

From New York Times

"It's the sorites paradox: Which grain of sand determined that one day there was a heap, and the next day there wasn't?"

From Los Angeles Times