dilemma
nounattested in dialogue
- Canada//daɪˈlɛmə//
- Canada//dɪˈlɛmə//
- Australia//dɑeˈlemə//
- Australia//dɪˈlemə//
- New Zealand//daɪˈlemə//
A circumstance in which a choice must be made between two or more alternatives that seem equally undesirable.
noun
- 1
A circumstance in which a choice must be made between two or more alternatives that seem equally undesirable.
A strong dilemma in a desperate case! / To act with infamy, or quit the place.
- 2
Any difficult circumstance or problem.
- 3
A type of syllogism of the form "if A is true then B is true; if C is true then D is true; either A or C is true; therefore either B or D is true".
- 4
Offering to an opponent a choice between two (equally unfavorable) alternatives.
Etymology
PIE word *dwóh₁ First attested 1523, from Late Latin dilemma, from Ancient Greek δίλημμα (dílēmma, “ambiguous proposition”), from δι- (di-, “having two of”) + λῆμμα (lêmma, “premise, proposition”), equivalent to di- + lemma.
Forms
- plural
- dilemmas, dilemmata
dilemma · A circumstance in which a choice must be made between two or more alternatives that seem equally undesirable.
diligence · Steady application; industry; careful work involving…Dillon · A surname from Irish of Irish origin.dim · Not bright or colorful.