- 1. n. An argument which presents an antagonist with two or more alternatives, but is equally conclusive against him, whichever alternative he chooses. Source: opted
- 2. n. A state of things in which evils or obstacles present themselves on every side, and it is difficult to determine what course to pursue; a vexatious alternative or predicament; a difficult choice or position. Source: opted
- 3. n. state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options Source: wordnet
- 4. 1. (Logic) An argument which presents an antagonist with two or more alternatives, but is equally conclusive against him, whichever alternative he chooses. Note: The following are instances of the dilemma. A young rhetorician applied to an old sophist to be taught the art of pleading, and bargained for a certain reward to be paid when he should gain a cause. The master sued for his reward, and the scholar endeavored to dilemma. "If I gain my cause, I shall withhold your pay, because the judge's award will be against you; if I lose it, I may withhold it, because I shall not yet have gained a cause." "On the contrary," says the master, "if you gain your cause, you must pay me, because you are to pay me when you gain a cause; if you lose it, you must pay me, because the judge will award it." Johnson. 2. A state of things in which evils or obstacles present themselves on every side, and it is difficult to determine what course to pursue; a vexatious alternative or predicament; a difficult choice or position. A strong dilemma in a desperate case! To act with infamy, or quit the place. Swift. Horns of a dilemma, alternatives, each of which is equally difficult of encountering. Source: webster
- 5. An argument which presents an antagonist with two or morealternatives, but is equally conclusive against him, whicheveralternative he chooses. Source: adambom
- 6. n:100 n. state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options Source: ecdict
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