Dictum Definition

dĭktəm
dicta, dictums
noun
dictums
A statement or saying, esp. a formal statement.
Webster's New World
A judge's remark or observation on some point of law which is not essential to the case in question, hence not binding as a legal precedent.
Webster's New World
In a court’s decision, a statement of opinion or of a general rule that is explanatory or suggestive only, and not binding on courts in future cases, because it does not form part of the court’s central argument. For example, a judge’s suggestion as to how she might decide a related controversy not presently before her would be considered dictum.
Webster's New World Law

An authoritative statement; a dogmatic saying; a maxim, an apothegm.

Wiktionary
The report of a judgment made by one of the judges who has given it.
Wiktionary
Synonyms:

Other Word Forms of Dictum

Noun

Singular:
dictum
Plural:
dicta, dictums

Origin of Dictum

  • Latin from neuter past participle of dīcere to say deik- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Latin dictum (“proverb, maxim”).

    From Wiktionary

Dictum Sentence Examples

  • His favourite dictum in politics was, "Why not leave it alone ?"

  • Occam's dictum "Entia non multiplicanda sunt praeter necessitatem" was inspired by a spirit similar to that of Bacon.

  • The famous dictum "Every man is the architect of his own fortune" is attributed to him.

  • To that I can answer with the well-known dictum, " In the long run we all shall die.

  • No wonder, even the United Nations has begun to follow the unwritten dictum.

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Words Starting With

DDIDIC

Words Ending With

MUMTUM

Unscrambles

dictum

Words Starting With D and Ending With M

Starts With D & Ends With MStarts With DI & Ends With MStarts With D & Ends With UM

Word Length

6 Letter Words6 Letter Words Starting With D6 Letter Words Ending With M