elenchus
/ɪˈlɛŋkəs/
noun
- A logical refutation or cross-examination, especially the Socratic method of questioning to expose contradictions in someone's beliefs.
- The lawyer's elenchus of the witness's testimony revealed several contradictions.
- In the dialogue, Socrates uses an elenchus to show that his interlocutor's definition of justice is inconsistent.
- Learning the elenchus can help you think more clearly and argue more effectively.
Synonyms