ad hominem Hear it!

ad hominem Definition

ad· homi·nem (ad häm′ə nem′)

adjective

  1. appealing to prejudice and emotion rather than to reason
  2. attacking the character, motives, etc. of an opponent rather than debating the issue on logical grounds

Etymology: L, lit., to the man

ad hominem Law Definition

adj

Latin

To the person. Appealing to personal prejudices instead of reason; attacking one’s character rather than his arguments.
ad hominem Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • attack: Unfortunately, such sites are often based on ad hominem attacks or just plain verbal abuse.
  • argument: Indeed accusing someone falsely of an ad hominem approach to debate is itself an ad hominem argument.
  • degree: Such ad hominem degrees should be discussed with Directors of Studies and with the units involved as early as possible.
  • slur: Response: As usual, the Islamic Awareness team begins their article with typical ad hominem slurs.
  • assault: Radelet just exposes the sloppiness of Easterly's argument - hardly an ad hominem assault.
  • fallacy: It is also both bad manners and the ad hominem fallacy to impugn the honesty of a critic to avoid his arguments.

Noun used with modifier

  • argumentum: You cannot beat a good argumentum ad hominem now, can you?
  • argument: He quotes it for a purpose, in an argument ad hominem.