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Dilemma
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English Dictionary: dilemma by the DICT Development Group
2 results for dilemma
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
dilemma
n
  1. state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options
    Synonym(s): dilemma, quandary
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. [bd]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.[b8] [bd]On the
               contrary,[b8] says the master, [bd]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.[b8] --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.
No guarantee of accuracy or completeness!
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