Dictum: meaning, definitions and examples

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dictum

 

[หˆdษชktษ™m ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

legal terminology

A dictum is an authoritative statement or pronouncement, often in a legal context. It may refer to something said by a judge that is not essential to the decision in the case, thus not legally binding but may carry persuasive value. Dicta are typically used to clarify the reasoning behind a decision, offering guidance for future cases. The term has origins in legal writing where judges offer opinions that, while not part of the formal ruling, provide insight into the law.

Synonyms

advice, pronouncement, statement.

Examples of usage

  • The court's dictum provided clarity on the legal principles involved.
  • In her ruling, the judge issued a dictum that was widely discussed among legal scholars.
  • While the dictum is not binding, it can influence lower courts' decisions.
  • The legal community often quotes famous dicta from landmark cases.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Latin, where it means 'said' or 'spoken'.
  • It originates from the Latin verb 'dicere', which means 'to say' or 'to tell'.
  • It has been used in English since the late 14th century, often in legal or formal contexts.

Law

  • In legal terminology, a dictum can refer to a judge's remark made in a decision that is not essential to the ruling.
  • Such remarks often guide future judicial decisions but are not legally binding.
  • Famous Supreme Court cases often contain dictums that shape legal interpretations.

Literature

  • Many prominent authors and philosophers use dictums as a way to convey complex ideas succinctly.
  • Friedrich Nietzsche is known for his thought-provoking dictums that challenge societal norms.
  • A well-crafted dictum can inspire, provoke thought, or offer wisdom in a concise manner.

Education

  • In academia, dictums are used to encapsulate theories or principles concisely for students.
  • Teachers often use famous dictums from history or science to spark discussions in the classroom.
  • A good dictum can serve as a memorable quote that resonates with learners and aids retention.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and shows, characters often share dictums that reveal their core beliefs or motivations.
  • Famous lines from films can serve as modern dictums, resonating with audiences and impacting culture.
  • Social media platforms have transformed dictums into memes that spread quickly and influence popular opinions.

Translations

Translations of the word "dictum" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น dizer

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‰เค•เฅเคคเคฟ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Aussage

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pernyataan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะธัะปั–ะฒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ powiedzenie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่จ€่‘‰

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท dicton

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ dicho

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sรถz

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ง

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู‚ูˆู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vรฝrok

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vyjadrenie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้™ˆ่ฟฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ izrek

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ orรฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัำฉะท

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒ”แƒขแƒงแƒ•แƒ”แƒšแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sรถz

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ dicho

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,362, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.