A contrario is a Latin term that is commonly used in legal and philosophical contexts. It is a term that refers to a type of reasoning that is based on the opposite of what is being argued. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of a contrario, its origin, and its use in different contexts.
Definitions
A contrario is a Latin term that means “from the opposite.” It is a type of reasoning that is based on the opposite of what is being argued. This type of reasoning is often used in legal and philosophical contexts, where it is used to argue against a particular position.
Origin
The term a contrario has its origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin phrase “ab contrario,” which means “from the opposite.” The term has been used in legal and philosophical contexts for centuries, and it continues to be used today.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a contrario is “a method of legal reasoning whereby a proposition is proved to be true by showing that the opposite is false.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “from the opposite,” and the Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “a method of reasoning in which you decide what is true by considering what is not true.”
Associations
A contrario is often associated with legal and philosophical contexts. It is a type of reasoning that is commonly used in these fields to argue against a particular position. However, it can also be used in other contexts, such as in debates and discussions.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of a contrario include “from the opposite,” “contrary to,” “opposite of,” and “reverse of.”
Antonyms
Antonyms of a contrario include “from the same,” “similar to,” and “consistent with.”
The same root words
There are no exact root words for a contrario, but it is derived from the Latin phrase “ab contrario,” which means “from the opposite.”
Example Sentences
- The judge used a contrario reasoning to argue against the defendant’s position.
- The philosopher used a contrario to argue that the opposite of what was being argued was true.
- In a debate, a contrario reasoning can be used to argue against a particular position.
- The lawyer used a contrario to prove that the plaintiff’s argument was false.
- A contrario reasoning can be a powerful tool in legal and philosophical contexts.