Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

de dicto

Adverb, Philosophical Term

/deɪ ˈdɪktoʊ/

Definition

Referring to a statement or belief about something that is true in a particular context or proposition, regardless of the existence of the entity involved.

Examples

When considering the concept of truth, the philosopher focused on de dicto assertions to clarify misconceptions.
The statement made by the witness was de dicto, meaning it was based on what was said rather than what was true.

Meaning

The term ‘de dicto’ is used in philosophy and linguistics to discuss statements that pertain to the way things are described, rather than the actual existence or reality of the things being described.