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.
It's important to address the issue itself, not make ad hominem comments about the person raising it.
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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