Elenctical

/ɪˈlɛŋktɪkəl/ adjective

Definition

Of or characterized by logical refutation and the exposure of contradictions in reasoning.

Etymology

From 'elenctic' plus the suffix '-al,' paralleling the formation of 'elenchical' but with the alternate 'elenctic' spelling base.

Kelly Says

These stacked-up suffix variants ('elenctical' vs 'elenchical') show how English speakers in different eras and places adapted Greek philosophy terms—same root, different scholarly paths!

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