Phrase guide

ignoratio elenchi

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˌɪɡ.nəˈɹeɪ.ʃiˌoʊ ɪˈlɛŋ.kaɪ/
  • /ˌɪɡ.nəˈɹɑ.tiˌoʊ/
  • /ɪˈlɛŋ.ki/

1

noun

Meaning 1

The fallacy of presenting an argument that may or may not be logically valid, but fails to address the issue in question.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: heterozetesis, irrelevant conclusion, missing the point

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

the logical fallacy of supposing that an argument proving an irrelevant point has proved the point at issue

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: logical fallacy

History

Etymology

From Latin ignōrātiō elenchī (“ignorance of the refutation”).