Godwin’s Law

Pronunciation: /ˈɡɑd.wɪnz lɔː/

Definitions of Godwin’s law

noun A principle that states that as an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches 1.

Example Sentences

A1 Godwin's law is a rule that states as an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches.

A2 Godwin's law is often used to point out when a conversation has reached a point of absurdity.

B1 In debates, invoking Godwin's law is seen as a way to discredit an opponent's argument.

B2 Godwin's law is sometimes criticized for being a form of ad hominem attack.

C1 Some argue that Godwin's law can be a useful tool in highlighting flawed reasoning in discussions.

C2 Godwin's law has become a well-known concept in the realm of internet debates and discussions.

Examples of Godwin’s law in a Sentence

formal In political debates, it is important to be aware of Godwin’s law which states that as an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches.

informal Did you know about Godwin’s law? It basically says that the longer an online argument goes on, the more likely someone will mention Hitler.

slang Yo, have you heard of Godwin’s law? It's like, the longer people argue on the internet, the more likely someone will bring up Nazis.

figurative Just like Godwin’s law predicts, any heated discussion eventually reaches a point where someone compares the other person to Hitler.

Grammatical Forms of Godwin’s law

• past tense: Godwin’s lawed
• plural: Godwin’s laws
• comparative: more Godwin’s law
• superlative: most Godwin’s law
• present tense: Godwin’s laws
• future tense: will Godwin’s law
• perfect tense: have Godwin’s lawed
• continuous tense: is Godwin’s lawing
• singular: Godwin’s law
• positive degree: Godwin’s law
• infinitive: to Godwin’s law
• gerund: Godwin’s lawing
• participle: Godwin’s lawed

Origin and Evolution of Godwin’s law

First Known Use: 1990 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: Godwin's law is named after American attorney and author Mike Godwin, who coined the term in the early days of the internet.

Evolution of the word: Originally, Godwin's law referred specifically to online discussions and debates, but over time it has been applied more broadly to any situation where a comparison to Hitler or Nazis is made, suggesting that the longer a discussion goes on, the probability of a comparison involving Hitler or Nazis approaches 1.