Lexic.us

Definition of Dilemma

1. Noun. State of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options.

Definition of Dilemma

1. n. An argument which presents an antagonist with two or more alternatives, but is equally conclusive against him, whichever alternative he chooses.

Definition of Dilemma

1. Noun. A circumstance in which a choice must be made between two or more alternatives that seem equally undesirable. ¹

2. Noun. (''disputed'') A difficult circumstance or problem. ¹

3. Noun. (logic) A type of syllogism of the form "if A is true then B is true; if C is true then D is true; either A or C is true; therefore either B or D is true". ¹

4. Noun. (rhetoric) Offering to an opponent a choice between two (equally unfavorable) alternatives. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Dilemma

1. a perplexing situation [n -S] : DILEMMIC [adj]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Dilemma

Literary usage of Dilemma

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of English Usage by Inc. Merriam-Webster (1994)
"I am sure you would never purposely force me into a painful dilemma, Jack. ... A strong dilemma in a desp'rate Case! To act with Infamy, or quit the Place ..."

2. The Essentials of Logic by Roy Wood Sellars (1917)
"The dilemma, A dilemma is technically denned as an argument in which the major premise ... A dilemma may be constructive or destructive, simple or complex. ..."

3. Argumentation and Debating by William Trufant Foster (1908)
"Method of the dilemma. — The destructive dilemma forces upon an opponent the choice between ... The two alternatives are called the horns of the dilemma. ..."

4. A Manual of Logic by James Welton (1896)
"Thus, the Simple __' Constructive dilemma may be expressed :— The cage of ... It may also The formal validity of a dilemma may also be ex- into aperies ..."

5. The Problem of Logic by William Ralph Boyce Gibson, Augusta Klein (1908)
"THE dilemma. ' THE dilemma is an argument in which one or other of two alternatives ... The dilemma is a compound hypothetical syllogism, and is therefore ..."

6. Elements of Logic: Designed as a Manual of Instruction by Henry Coppée (1860)
"Of the dilemma, Trilemma, $c.* A dilemma is a compound argument composed of conditional propositions, upon which we reason disjunctively. ..."

7. The Living Age by Making of America Project, Eliakim Littell, Robert S. Littell (1913)
"THE ENGLISHMAN'S dilemma. * The contrast between the high level of our commercial prosperity and the low level of our political life continues to be one of ..."

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