enthymeme

1 definition found

enthymeme - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Enthymeme \En"thy*meme\, n. [Gr. ?, fr. ? to keep in mind,
     consider; ? in + ? mind, soul.] (Logic)
     An argument consisting of only two propositions, an
     antecedent and consequent deduced from it; a syllogism with
     one premise omitted; as, We are dependent; therefore we
     should be humble. Here the major proposition is suppressed.
     The complete syllogism would be, Dependent creatures should
     be humble; we are dependent creatures; therefore we should be
     humble.
     [1913 Webster]