dictum

noun

dic·​tum ˈdik-təm How to pronounce dictum (audio)
plural dicta ˈdik-tə How to pronounce dictum (audio) also dictums
1
: a noteworthy statement: such as
a
: a formal pronouncement of a principle, proposition, or opinion
awaiting the king's dictum
b
: an observation intended or regarded as authoritative
must follow the dictum "First, do no harm"
2
law : a judge's expression of opinion on a point other than the precise issue involved in determining a case

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How to Use Dictum in Law and Beyond

The word dictum is frequently used in philosophy, but also in economics, political science, and other fields. Almost any condensed piece of wisdom—"The perfect is the enemy of the good", "Buy low, sell high", "All politics is local", etc.—can be called a dictum. In the law, judges may often add to a written opinion an obiter dictum, or "statement made in passing"—a strong statement that isn't directly relevant to the case being decided. If they're well thought out and eloquent, obiter dicta (notice the plural form) may be referred to by later judges and lawyers for years afterward.

Examples of dictum in a Sentence

A doctor must follow the dictum of “First, do no harm.”
Recent Examples on the Web As a result, in the last quarter century, leading firms began implementing the converse of Taylor’s dictum. Steve Denning, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024 Smith co-wrote six of the 18 songs — his road schedule kept him from writing more, but, as the Nashville dictum goes, the best song always wins. Melinda Newman, Billboard, 4 Oct. 2024 However, dictums from the C-suite won’t work to sustain this ideal; shows of authority make employees feel more cautious. Michael Morris, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2024 Was this dictum merely a face-saving gesture for the Chinese Communist Party? Aja Romano, Vox, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dictum 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dictum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, "utterance, order, promise, saying, witticism," noun derivative from neuter of dictus, past participle of dīcere "to talk, speak, say, utter" — more at diction

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dictum was circa 1586

Dictionary Entries Near dictum

Cite this Entry

“Dictum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dictum. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

dictum

noun
dic·​tum ˈdik-təm How to pronounce dictum (audio)
plural dicta -tə How to pronounce dictum (audio) also dictums
: a statement made with authority : pronouncement

Legal Definition

dictum

noun
dic·​tum ˈdik-təm How to pronounce dictum (audio)
plural dicta -tə How to pronounce dictum (audio)
: a view expressed by a judge in an opinion on a point not necessarily arising from or involved in a case or necessary for determining the rights of the parties involved

called also obiter dictum

compare holding, judgment, precedent, stare decisis

Note: Dicta have persuasive value in making an argument, but they are not binding as precedent.

Etymology

Latin, utterance, from neuter of dictus, past participle of dicere to say

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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