ignoratio elenchi

[ ig-nuh-rey-shee-oh i-leng-kahy, -kee ]
/ ˌɪg nəˈreɪ ʃiˌoʊ ɪˈlɛŋ kaɪ, -ki /

noun Logic.

the fallacy of offering proof irrelevant to the proposition in question.

Origin of ignoratio elenchi

1580–90; < Latin ignōrātiō elenchī literally, ignorance of the refutation; see elenchus

Words nearby ignoratio elenchi

British Dictionary definitions for ignoratio elenchi

ignoratio elenchi
/ (ˌɪɡnəˈreɪʃɪəʊ ɪˈlɛŋkaɪ) /

noun logic

a purported refutation of a proposition that does not in fact prove it false but merely establishes a related but strictly irrelevant proposition
the fallacy of arguing in this way

Word Origin for ignoratio elenchi

Latin: an ignorance of proof, translating Greek elenchou agnoia