SOCRATIC

adj. & n. --adj. of or relating to the Greek philosopher Socrates (d. 399 BC) or his philosophy, esp. the method associated with him of seeking the truth by a series of questions and answers. --n. a follower of Socrates. øSocratic irony a pose of ignorance assumed in order to entice others into making statements that can then be challenged. øøSocratically adv. [L Socraticus f. Gk Sokratikos f. Sokrates]