ad hominem

English

Etymology

Ellipsis of the Latin expression argumentum ad hominem (“argument at the person”). It can also mean attacking the messenger.

Noun

ad hominem (plural ad hominems)

  1. A fallacious objection to an argument or factual claim by appealing to a characteristic or belief of the person making the argument or claim, rather than by addressing the substance of the argument or producing evidence against the claim; an attempt to argue against an opponent's idea by discrediting the opponent himself.
  2. A personal attack.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Translations

See also

  • poisoning the well

Adjective

ad hominem (not comparable)

  1. Of or relating to ad hominem.
    Well that's an ad hominem argument.

Adverb

ad hominem (not comparable)

  1. In an ad hominem manner.
    He tried to make his case by arguing ad hominem.

Portuguese

Adjective

ad hominem (plural ad hominem, comparable)

  1. (of an argument) ad hominem (being a personal attack)

Adverb

ad hominem (not comparable)

  1. in an ad hominem manner
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