Difference between revisions of "Dict-"
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In academic English the preferred [[plural]] of '''dictum''' is '''dict<big>a</big>'''. (See [[-a in Latin]].) Although ''[[OED]]'' records <strike>dictums</strike> as also existing, it is not recommended in academic writing. | In academic English the preferred [[plural]] of '''dictum''' is '''dict<big>a</big>'''. (See [[-a in Latin]].) Although ''[[OED]]'' records <strike>dictums</strike> as also existing, it is not recommended in academic writing. | ||
| − | Its original meaning in [[Latin]] was simply | + | Its original meaning in [[Latin]] was simply 'something said'. In academic writing, it most often has 'the implication of a formal pronouncement claiming or carrying some authority' (''OED''). This sense seems to derive from ''OED'''s sense b.: In Law, An expression of opinion by a judge on a matter of law, which is not the formal resolution or determination of a court' - in other words something which a judge says in court on a matter not directly to do with the case being judged, but something on which she or he may nevertheless be quoted as an authority by lawyers. |
| − | ::'''Dict | + | ::'''Dict.''' can also be an abbreviation for [[Dictionary]] |
[[category:Latin plurals]] | [[category:Latin plurals]] | ||
Latest revision as of 17:07, 1 January 2015
In academic English the preferred plural of dictum is dicta. (See -a in Latin.) Although OED records dictums as also existing, it is not recommended in academic writing.
Its original meaning in Latin was simply 'something said'. In academic writing, it most often has 'the implication of a formal pronouncement claiming or carrying some authority' (OED). This sense seems to derive from OED's sense b.: In Law, An expression of opinion by a judge on a matter of law, which is not the formal resolution or determination of a court' - in other words something which a judge says in court on a matter not directly to do with the case being judged, but something on which she or he may nevertheless be quoted as an authority by lawyers.
- Dict. can also be an abbreviation for Dictionary
