elenchus

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A technique of argument associated with Socrates wherein the arguer asks the interlocutor to agree with a series of premises and conclusions, ending with the arguer's intended point.

Pronunciation

/ɪˈlɛŋ.kəs/

Word forms

elenchus elenchi

Etymology

From Latin elenchus, from Ancient Greek ἔλεγχος (élenkhos, “refutation, scrutiny, control”). Doublet of elench.

Synonyms

Related words

Derived words

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