Phrase guide

modus tollens

noun · 1 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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1

noun

Meaning 1

A valid form of argument in which the consequent of a conditional proposition is denied, thus implying the denial of the antecedent. Modus tollens has this form

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

Topics: human-sciences, logic, mathematics, philosophy, sciences

Examples

  • 1. If P, then Q.
  • 2. Not Q.
  • 3. Therefore, not P.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Latin modus tollendō tollēns (“the mode where the denying denies”), from modus (“mode”) and forms of tollō (“to take away”).

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: Modus tollens — a valid form of argument in which the consequent of a condition proposition is denied
  • Icelandic: neitunarháttur — a valid form of argument in which the consequent of a condition proposition is denied
  • Persian: نفی تالی (nafy-e tâli) — a valid form of argument in which the consequent of a condition proposition is denied