Dilemma definitions and example sentences on Wordnik

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Definitions (8)

American Heritage Dictionary (4)

noun A situation that requires a choice between options that are or seem equally unfavorable or mutually exclusive.
noun Usage Problem A problem that seems to defy a satisfactory solution.
noun Logic An argument that presents two alternatives, each of which has the same consequence.

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Century Dictionary (2)

A form of argument in which it is shown that whoever maintains a certain proposition must accept one or other of two alternative conclusions, and that each of these involves the denial of the proposition in question. The alternatives are called the horns of the dilemma, which is also called a horned syllogism. The argument is also called a dilemma, in a looser sense, when the number of such horns exceeds two. The dilemma originated in rhetoric, and was not noticed by logicians before the revival of learning; consequently there has been some dispute as to its logical definition and analysis. The standard example (from Aulus Gellius) is as follows: Every woman is fair or ugly; it is not good to marry a fair wife, because she will flirt; it is not good to marry an ugly wife, because she will not be attractive; therefore, it is not good to marry at all. The essential peculiarity of this reasoning is that it involves the principle of excluded middle, the falsity of which would leave ordinary syllogism intact. Logicians, however, have made the dilemma a matter of form of expression, saying that the above argument, for instance, is not a dilemma as long as the first premise reads as above, but that it becomes one if that premise is put in this form: If it is good to marry, it is good to marry a fair wife, or it is good to marry an ugly wife. They have at different times recognized the following forms as dilemmas or as parts of dilemmas, for many logicians hold that, a dilemma consists of three syllogisms: (1) Simple constructive dilemma: If A, then C; if B, then C; but either B or A; hence, C. (2) Simple destructive dilemma: If A is true, B is true; if A is true, C is true; B and C are not both true; hence, A is not true. (3) Complex constructiv dilemma: It A, then B; if C, then D; but either A or C; hence, either B or D, (4) Complex destructive dilemma: It A is true, B is true; if C is true, D is true; but B and D are not both true; hence, A and C are not both true, The importance of the kind of reasoning now called dilemma was first strongly insisted upon by the Stoics. Nevertheless, in the Stoical terminology a dilemma is opposed to a monolemma, as a conclusion from two premises. This was the origin of the word, and it is only later that it is met With in the modern sense. Dilemma is an argument made of two members, repugnant one to another, wherof which soever thou grantest, thou art by and by taken. Blundeville, Logic, v. 27.
A difficult or doubtful choice; a state of things in which the alternatives appear to be equally bad or undesirable. A strong dilemma in a desperate case! To act with infamy, or quit the place. Swift. The doctrine of a Messiah offers a dilemma — a choice between two interpretations — one being purely spiritual, one purely political. De Quincey, Essenes, ii.

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The explanation for this dilemma is actually relatively simple, and gets to the heart of why Bolaño will likely withstand any putative backlash. — New Humanist Podcast
For charities already contracting services to the government the dilemma will be acute on whether to "talk up" their brand or engage in pessimistic or realistic reporting of their situation in their relationships with their purchasers. — Latest news from the public and voluntary sectors, including health, children, local government and social care, plus SocietyGuardian jobs | guardian.co.uk
This dilemma is the challenge that Russia presents to Vladimir Putin. — Torrentreactor.Net
For those lucky enough to be holding on to savings in 2009, the dilemma is a unique one: where to put money when the banks look exposed and there is little or no value in interest rates. — SourceWire Press Release Wire
I'm not sure I see a way out of this dilemma (if it really is a dilemma, that is). — Crooked Timber

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predicament · plight · disadvantage · blunder · contradiction · riddle · complication · implication · uncertainty · disagreement · puzzle · paradox

Roget's II: The New Thesaurus, Third Edition by the Editors of the American Heritage® Dictionary. Copyright © 2003, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Etymologies (2)

American Heritage Dictionary (1)

Late Latin, from Greek dilēmma, ambiguous proposition : di-, two; see di-¹ + lēmma, proposition; see lemma¹.

Century Dictionary (1)

= French dilemme = Spanish dilema = Portuguese Italian dilemma = D.G. Danish Swedish dilemma, from Late Latin dilemma, from Greek δίλημμα, a conclusion from two premises, from δι-+ λῆμμα, a proposition, assumption: see lemma. Not “an argument in which the adversary is ‘caught between’ (διαλαμβάνεται) two difficulties,” nor derived from διαλαμβάνεσθαι, be caught between.

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