What does "ad hominem" mean?

Ellipsis of argumentum ad hominem: 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 themselves.

Ad hominem

Q: What is a synonym for "ad hominem"?

Common synonyms include: illogical argument, mudslinging, personal attack, personal calendar, verbal attack.

adj, adv, noun, slang

adj, adv, noun, slang ·Moderate ·College level

Definitions

Noun

1
Ellipsis of argumentum ad hominem: 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 themselves. abbreviation, alt-of, ellipsis
2
A personal attack. informal

Adjective

1
Of or relating to this kind of fallacious objection. not-comparable
"Well that's an ad hominem argument."

Adjective

1
appealing to personal considerations (rather than to fact or reason) wordnet

Adverb

1
In an ad hominem manner. not-comparable
"He tried to make his case by arguing ad hominem."

Synonyms

All synonyms

illogical argument mudslinging personal attack personal calendar verbal attack

Antonyms

All antonyms

ad verecundiam appeal to authority ipse dixit

Example

More examples

"Well that's an ad hominem argument."

Etymology

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

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