Definition of non sequitur
1 : an inference (see inference 2) that does not follow from the premises (see 1premise 1); specifically : a fallacy resulting from a simple conversion of a universal affirmative (see 1affirmative 3) proposition or from the transposition of a condition and its consequent (see 1consequent 1)
2 : a statement (such as a response) that does not follow logically from or is not clearly related to anything previously said We were talking about the new restaurant when she threw in some non sequitur about her dog.
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Examples of non sequitur in a Sentence
We were talking about the new restaurant when she threw in some non sequitur about her dog.
Did You Know?
In Latin, non sequitur means "it does not follow." The phrase was borrowed into English in the 1500s by people who made a formal study of logic. For them it meant a conclusion that does not follow from the statements that lead to it. But we now use non sequitur for any kind of statement that seems to come out of the blue. The Latin verb sequi ("to follow") has actually led the way for a number of English words. A sequel follows the original novel, film, or television show. Someone obsequious follows another about, flattering and fawning. And an action is often followed by its consequence.
Origin and Etymology of non sequitur
Latin, it does not follow
Other Philosophy Terms
NON SEQUITUR Defined for English Language Learners
non sequitur
playDefinition of non sequitur for English Language Learners
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: a statement that is not connected in a logical or clear way to anything said before it
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