Dictum
/ˈdɪktəm/
nounC1
Definition
A dictum is a clear, formal expression of an idea, rule, or opinion, usually made by someone important like a judge or a scholar. It often means a short statement that explains a principle or rule, especially in legal or formal discussions.
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See It in Action
A formal statement or pronouncement, especially by a judge or official
- •The judge's dictum explained the reasoning behind the decision.
- •Legal scholars often discuss the dicta in famous court cases.
- •The dictum in the contract clarified the parties’ responsibilities.
A general saying or principle expressed clearly
- •"Actions speak louder than words" is a common dictum.
- •The teacher shared a useful dictum about learning every day.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "dictum" like "rule" (A1 word), but more formal and often spoken or written by an expert or leader
- ✓Picture a judge in a courtroom saying a short, important sentence that explains the law clearly
- ✓It's the feeling of hearing a wise or official sentence that guides what people should do
- ✓Sounds like "DICT-um" → imagine someone DICTating (speaking clearly and firmly) a rule for others to follow
- ✓Think of famous quotes or proverbs that give advice or rules, like "Honesty is the best policy"—a kind of dictum
- ✓NOT like "opinion" (personal thought)—a dictum is more official and often accepted as a rule
- ✓NOT like "law" (a formal legal rule)—a dictum is often a statement or comment related to law, but not always legally binding
- ✓NOT like "advice" (friendly suggestion)—a dictum is more formal and authoritative
Try Other Words
- •Pronouncement: an official statement (Use when emphasizing the formal announcement by authority)
- •Saying: a short, common phrase expressing a truth or advice (Use when the dictum is more like a proverb or wise phrase)
- •Maxim: a short rule or principle (Use for formal, often moral statements)
- •Statement: a clear expression of something (Use in general when the formality is less important)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: from Latin "dictum" meaning "something said" (from "dicere" = to say)
- •Etymology: Latin origin, originally meaning a word or saying
- •Historical development: Used in English from the 1600s mainly in law and philosophy to mean a formal statement or comment
- •Modern usage: Common in legal language for judge’s comments, also in formal writing for important statements or principles
Reflect & Connect
•How can a dictum influence people's behavior or decisions in daily life?
•Can a dictum be wrong or changed over time? How does that affect its authority?
Fill in the blanks
1.A judge's dictum often explains the ___ behind a court decision.
2.When a dictum is given, it usually comes from a person with ___ or knowledge.
3.Unlike casual advice, a dictum is more ___ and often used in formal situations.
4.The phrase "Time is money" is an example of a common ___.
5.Legal scholars study dicta to understand how judges ___ their decisions.
6.A dictum can be a clear ___ that helps guide people’s actions.
7.In court, a dictum may not always be the final ___ but still influences the case.