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more about dilemma
dilemma |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Dilemma \Di*lem"ma\, n. [L. dilemma, Gr ?; di- = di`s- twice + ? to take See {Lemma}.] 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 ?lude his claim by a 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. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: dilemma n : state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options [syn: {quandary}]
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