syllogism

 
Pronunciation: /ˈsɪləˌdʒɪz(ə)m/

noun

  • an instance of a form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed propositions (premises); a common or middle term is present in the two premises but not in the conclusion, which may be invalid (e.g. all dogs are animals; all animals have four legs; therefore all dogs have four legs).
  • [mass noun] deductive reasoning as distinct from induction.

Derivatives

syllogistic

Pronunciation: /-ˈdʒɪstɪk/
adjective

syllogistically

Pronunciation: /-ˈdʒɪstɪk(ə)li/
adverb

Origin:

late Middle English: via Old French or Latin from Greek sullogismos, from sullogizesthai, from sun- 'with' + logizesthai 'to reason' (from logos 'reasoning')