Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

hypothetical syllogism

noun

Definition of hypothetical syllogism

1 : a syllogism consisting wholly of hypothetical propositions

— called also pure hypothetical syllogism

2 : a syllogism consisting partly of hypothetical propositions

— called also mixed hypothetical syllogism

— compare modus ponens, modus tollens

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for hypothetical syllogism

translation of Late Latin hypotheticus syllogismus

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about hypothetical syllogism

Statistics for hypothetical syllogism

Look-up Popularity

Comments on hypothetical syllogism

What made you want to look up hypothetical syllogism? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

gritty

Listen to the pronounciation of gritty

showing courage and determination

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words for Summer: A Quiz

  • a closeup of a sunflower
  • Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games