ignoratio elenchi

English

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˌɪɡ.nəˈɹeɪ.ʃiˌoʊ ɪˈlɛŋ.kaɪ/, /ˌɪɡ.nəˈɹɑ.tiˌoʊ/, /ɪˈlɛŋ.ki/

Noun

ignoratio elenchi (uncountable)

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

   Synonyms: (obsolete) heterozetesis, irrelevant conclusion, missing the point

Further reading

• https://www.logicalfallacies.org/ignoratio-elenchi.html
• “ignoratio elenchi”, in Dictionary.com Unabridged, Dictionary.com, LLC, 1995–present.
• “ignoratio elenchi”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.