Meaning & use
dictum
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountable
A short, memorable statement that expresses a general truth or rule of conduct.
Grammar: Often used with the: the old dictum that...
Patterns
- the dictum that ...
- a famous dictum
He often repeated the dictum that honesty is the best policy.
The coach lived by the dictum 'practice makes perfect'.
Her favorite dictum was that you should never stop learning.
nouncountableformallegal
A formal statement of a principle, especially in law or philosophy.
Grammar: In law, obiter dictum is a judge's remark that is not essential to the decision.
Patterns
- a legal dictum
- the dictum of the court
The judge's dictum clarified how the law should be applied in future cases.
The philosopher's dictum about free will is still debated today.
Word forms
| plural | dicta |
|---|---|
| plural | dictums |
Common combinations
- a famous dictum
- The book opens with a famous dictum about power.
- the dictum that
- She challenged the dictum that children should be seen and not heard.
- legal dictum
- The lawyer quoted a legal dictum to support her argument.
Synonyms and how they differ
- maxim
- A maxim is a rule of conduct expressed briefly; dictum is broader and can also be a formal statement.
- saying
- A saying is a common, everyday expression; dictum sounds more formal or authoritative.
- pronouncement
- A pronouncement is an official or authoritative statement; dictum often suggests a wise or memorable one.
Word family
Commonly confused: dictum or dictator?
dictum vs dictator
A dictator is a ruler with total power; a dictum is a statement or saying.
Practice
The judge's ______ was not part of the official ruling, so it had no binding force.
Choose one answer.
Dictum fits because it means a formal statement, especially one not essential to a legal decision. Diction means clarity of speech, and dictionary is a reference book.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “dictum”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.