dictum

noun

dic·​tum ˈdik-təm 

plural dicta ˈdik-tə  also dictums

1

: a noteworthy statement: such as

a

: a formal pronouncement of a principle, proposition, or opinion

awaiting the king's dictum

b

: an observation intended or regarded as authoritative

must follow the dictum "First, do no harm"

2

law : a judge's expression of opinion on a point other than the precise issue involved in determining a case

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How to Use Dictum in Law and Beyond

The word dictum is frequently used in philosophy, but also in economics, political science, and other fields. Almost any condensed piece of wisdom—"The perfect is the enemy of the good", "Buy low, sell high", "All politics is local", etc.—can be called a dictum. In the law, judges may often add to a written opinion an obiter dictum, or "statement made in passing"—a strong statement that isn't directly relevant to the case being decided. If they're well thought out and eloquent, obiter dicta (notice the plural form) may be referred to by later judges and lawyers for years afterward.

Examples of dictum in a Sentence

A doctor must follow the dictum of “First, do no harm.”

Recent Examples on the Web

As a result, in the last quarter century, leading firms began implementing the converse of Taylor’s dictum. —Steve Denning, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

Smith co-wrote six of the 18 songs — his road schedule kept him from writing more, but, as the Nashville dictum goes, the best song always wins. —Melinda Newman, Billboard, 4 Oct. 2024

However, dictums from the C-suite won’t work to sustain this ideal; shows of authority make employees feel more cautious. —Michael Morris, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2024

Was this dictum merely a face-saving gesture for the Chinese Communist Party? —Aja Romano, Vox, 4 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, "utterance, order, promise, saying, witticism," noun derivative from neuter of dictus, past participle of dīcere "to talk, speak, say, utter" — more at diction

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dictum

• obiter dictum

Kids Definition

dictum

noun

dic·​tum ˈdik-təm 

plural dicta -tə  also dictums

: a statement made with authority : pronouncement

Legal Definition

dictum

noun

dic·​tum ˈdik-təm 

plural dicta -tə 

: a view expressed by a judge in an opinion on a point not necessarily arising from or involved in a case or necessary for determining the rights of the parties involved

called also obiter dictum

compare holding, judgment, precedent, stare decisis

Note: Dicta have persuasive value in making an argument, but they are not binding as precedent.

Etymology

Latin, utterance, from neuter of dictus, past participle of dicere to say