ad hominem (B2)
adjective
Pronunciation: /ˌæd ˈhɒmɪnəm/
Definition
An argument or reaction directed against a person rather than the position they are maintaining.
Examples
His argument was dismissed as an ad hominem attack rather than a substantive critique.
The debate devolved into personal insults, with both sides resorting to ad hominem remarks.
How to Use ad hominem
- ad hominem argument (collocation)
- An argument that attacks the person instead of the issue. — "His attempt to win the debate was ruined by his constant ad hominem argument."
- ad hominem attack (collocation)
- A verbal assault on a person's character or motives. — "The political campaign was criticized for its use of ad hominem attack."
- ad hominem remark (collocation)
- A comment that is personally critical and irrelevant to the topic. — "She responded to the ad hominem remark by calmly restating her point."
Synonyms of ad hominem
Words with a similar meaning to ad hominem:
Antonyms of ad hominem
Words with the opposite meaning to ad hominem:
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