SYLLOGISM


Meaning of SYLLOGISM in English

[ 'sɪləˌdʒɪz(ə)m ]

■ noun a form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed propositions (premises); a common or middle term is present in the two premises but not in the conclusion, which may be invalid (e.g. all dogs are animals; all animals have four legs; therefore all dogs have four legs ).

Derivatives

syllogistic adjective

syllogistically adverb

syllogize or syllogise verb

Origin

ME: via OFr. or L. from Gk sullogismos , from sullogizesthai , from sun- 'with' + logizesthai 'to reason' (from logos 'reasoning').

Concise Oxford English vocab.      Сжатый оксфордский словарь английского языка.