Dictum
/ˈdɪktəm/noun
A formal or authoritative statement, saying, or pronouncement.
Did you know?In Latin, dictum literally meant “something said,” from the same verbal root behind the English words “dictate” and “verdict.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*deyḱ-
“To point out, show, or indicate—an ancient root linking speech with directing attention.”
Proto-Italic
Proto-Italic
*deikō
“To show, point out, or declare.”
Classical Latin
Latin
dīcere
“To say, speak, declare, or pronounce.”
Classical Latin
Latin
dictum
“Something said; a saying, statement, or pronouncement.”
Late Latin
Latin
dictum
“A maxim, authoritative utterance, or formal statement.”
17th Century
English
dictum
“A formal proposition or authoritative saying, especially one presented as a rule or principle.”
Modern English
English
dictum
“An authoritative statement or pronouncement.”