dictum

noun

dic·​tum ˈdik-təm 

plural dicta ˈdik-tə  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

But today the dictum applies to Israel, as well. —Richard Haass, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2025

Not that Wolfe’s dictum was totally off the mark. —David McGrath, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025

WarGames and The Matrix, each in its own quite different way, follow the classic dictum that any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. —Jeremy Dauber, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2025

On the first day of his term, Trump signed an executive order that recognized two sexes, male and female, a dictum that has moved across all departments under his jurisdiction. —Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025

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

Phrases Containing dictum

• obiter dictum

Rhymes for dictum

• victim

Kids Definition

dictum

noun

dic·​tum ˈdik-təm 

plural dicta -tə  also dictums

: a statement made with authority : pronouncement

Legal Definition

dictum

noun

dic·​tum ˈdik-təm 

plural dicta -tə 

: 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