Ad Hominem

Pronunciation: /æd ˈhɒmɪnəm/

Definitions of ad hominem

noun a Latin phrase that means 'to the person' and is used to describe an argument that attacks a person's character or traits instead of focusing on the issue at hand

Example Sentences

A1 I don't like it when people use ad hominem attacks during arguments.

A2 She resorted to ad hominem arguments when she couldn't prove her point.

B1 The debate turned ugly when one of the participants started using ad hominem attacks.

B2 It's important to focus on facts and logic in a discussion, rather than resorting to ad hominem tactics.

C1 Using ad hominem arguments is often seen as a sign of weakness in a debate.

C2 The politician's reputation was tarnished by his frequent use of ad hominem attacks against his opponents.

Examples of ad hominem in a Sentence

formal It is important to avoid making ad hominem attacks during a debate.

informal Don't resort to ad hominem arguments when discussing politics with your friends.

slang He always gets so defensive and starts with the ad hominem insults.

figurative Using ad hominem attacks is like fighting dirty in an argument.

Grammatical Forms of ad hominem

• past tense: ad hominemmed
• plural: ad hominems
• comparative: more ad hominem
• superlative: most ad hominem
• present tense: ad hominems
• future tense: will ad hominem
• perfect tense: have ad hominemed
• continuous tense: is ad hominemming
• singular: ad hominem
• positive degree: ad hominem
• infinitive: to ad hominem
• gerund: ad hominemming
• participle: ad hominemed

Origin and Evolution of ad hominem

First Known Use: 1598 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The term 'ad hominem' comes from Latin, meaning 'to the person'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the context of logic and argumentation to refer to a fallacious argument that attacks a person's character or circumstances rather than addressing the issue at hand. Over time, the term has come to be used more broadly to describe any personal attack or criticism directed at an individual rather than their arguments or ideas.