ignoratio elenchi

noun

: a fallacy in logic of supposing a point proved or disproved by an argument proving or disproving something not at issue

Word History

Etymology

Latin, literally, ignorance of proof

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ignoratio elenchi was in 1588

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ignoratio elenchi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ignoratio%20elenchi. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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