formal fallacy

noun

: a violation of any rule of formal inference

called also paralogism

contrasted with material fallacy and verbal fallacy
compare affirmation of the consequent, denial of the antecedent, ignoratio elenchi, illicit process, petitio principii

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near formal fallacy

Cite this Entry

“Formal fallacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formal%20fallacy. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!