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Dictionarydictumauthoritative statement
noun

dictum

DIK-tum/ˈdɪktəm/

An authoritative statement of an opinion or principle.

The judge delivers a dictum to the attentive younger legal professionals.

Dictum: experienced female judge makes a clear authoritative pronouncement to attentive younger legal professionals, one measured hand gesture and formal setting, no writing.
Etymology
dictumLatinthing said; saying, command

A Latin dictum was a “thing said,” including a saying, order, or command. That range helps explain why an English dictum is not just any remark but a statement carrying implied authority.

In context

TED10:20
You may have heard the military dictum for the gathering of armies: March to the sound of the guns.
E.O. Wilson: Advice to young scientists

More examples

  • His favorite dictum is simple: measure twice, cut once.
  • She challenges the director's dicta about what makes good art.
  • The judge's comment is a dictum, not essential to the court's decision.

Forms

dictum · dicta · dictums

Similar words

maxim
A concise general truth, not necessarily asserted with authority.
pronouncement
An authoritative declaration, often public, rather than a general principle.
precept
A rule guiding conduct rather than an asserted opinion.