Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

ad hominem

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: 2.47 in modern English

Syllables: ad hominem
IPA

17

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

1

Syllables

8

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

Ellipsis of argumentum ad hominem: A fallacious objection to an argument or factual claim by appealing to a characteristic or belief of the person making the argument or claim, rather than by addressing the substance of the argument or producing evidence against the claim; an attempt to argue against an opponent's idea by discrediting the opponent themselves.

noun

A personal attack.

Informal

adj

Of or relating to this kind of fallacious objection.

adv

In an ad hominem manner.

Example Sentences

"Well that's an ad hominem argument."
"He tried to make his case by arguing ad hominem."

Etymology

Ellipsis of the Latin expression argumentum ad hominem (“argument at the person”). It can also mean attacking the messenger.

Origin

Source language: Latin

Word Breakdown

Root: -

Usage

Informal

Inflected Forms

ad hominems (plural)

Antonyms

ad verecundiam appeal to authority ipse dixit

Questions

What does ad hominem mean?: Ellipsis of argumentum ad hominem: A fallacious objection to an argument or factual claim by appealing to a characteristic or belief of the person making the argument or claim, rather than by addressing the substance of the argument or producing evidence against the claim; an attempt to argue against an opponent's idea by discrediting the opponent themselves.
Where does ad hominem come from?: It is traced to Latin.

How to pronounce ad hominem

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