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

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

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 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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