dictum

noun

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dic·tum | \ ˈdik-təm

plural dicta\ ˈdik-tə

\ also dictums

Definition of dictum

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

How to Use Dictum in Law and Beyond Example Sentences Learn More About dictum

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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 The political equivalent is the dictum that the party that controls the White House is doomed to lose congressional seats in every off-year election. — Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 16 Aug. 2021 Even in the calmer times of the mid-20th century, when Drucker formulated his dictum, such internal confusion was sufficiently problematic that an alternative had to be found. — Steve Denning, Forbes, 23 June 2021 Tellingly, Müller is better able to document how this dictum has been violated in recent political campaigns than to cite instances when it has been observed. — Jo Livingstone, The New Republic, 6 Aug. 2021 Tellingly, Müller is better able to document how this dictum has been violated in recent political campaigns than to cite instances when it has been observed. — Chris Lehmann, The New Republic, 28 July 2021 This dictum was coined by the French philosopher René Descartes in demonstrating his existence. — Cyrus Hadavi, Forbes, 5 May 2021 Drucker’s dictum is even more relevant in the strenuously competitive marketplace of the 21st century, where customers have multiple options at their fingertips, and instant reliable information about those options. — Steve Denning, Forbes, 23 June 2021 Wilkinson’s book helps make sense of that apparently nonsensical dictum. — Catherine Nicholson, The New York Review of Books, 15 June 2021 But at least heed one dictum: Never bet against human ingenuity. — Michael Helmstetter, Forbes, 6 May 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dictum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near dictum

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dictum

dictum de omni et nullo

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Last Updated

24 Aug 2021

Cite this Entry

“Dictum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dictum. Accessed 10 Sep. 2021.

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More Definitions for dictum

dictum

noun

English Language Learners Definition of dictum

: a statement or well-known remark that expresses an important idea or rule

See the full definition for dictum in the English Language Learners Dictionary

dictum

noun

dic·tum | \ ˈdik-təm

plural dicta\ -tə

Legal Definition of dictum

: 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.