Words / C2

non-SEKW-it-uh/ˌnɒn ˈsekwɪtə/

A non sequitur is a remark or conclusion that does not follow (formal): a logical non sequitur, reply with a non sequitur. Fallacy (already in the dictionary) is the wider class of bad argument; fallacious (already in the dictionary) is the adjective. Sequence sits in the Latin. Do not call a numbered methods objection a non sequitur to shut it down.

Meaning

A remark or conclusion that does not follow from what came before (formal).

Examples

• ““World-leading” after a missing n is a non sequitur, not a finding.”
• “It does not follow is the gloss. A fallacy is a named error (already in the dictionary). Fallacious reasoning is unsound (already in C2). A sudden joke can be a conversational non sequitur. A leap from one anecdote to “the cohort” is the logical kind. Put the two sentences next to the cell.”

Good to know

A conclusion that does not follow. Everyday: that does not follow. Cousin: fallacy / fallacious (already in this dictionary). A dated comparison is not a leap.

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