| 释义 |
di·lem·ma
I. \də̇ˈlemə sometimes dīˈ-\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: Late Latin, from Late Greek dilēmmat-, dilēmma, probably back-formation from Greek dilēmmatos involving two assumptions, from di- + -lēmmatos (from lēmmat-, lēmma assumption) — more at lemma
1. : an argument that offers an opponent a choice between two or more alternatives but that is equally conclusive against him no matter which alternative he chooses
2.
a. : a choice or a situation involving choice between equally unsatisfactory alternatives
< the dilemma was whether to lower prices or to accept fewer sales >
b. : a difficult problem : a problem seemingly incapable of a satisfactory solution
< the modern dilemma; what to do to spend all this time — Peggy Bennett >
3. : an argument that contains a premise consisting of the conjunctive affirmation of two hypothetical propositions and a disjunctive premise
Synonyms: see predicament
II. transitive verb
(-ed/-ing/-s)
archaic : to place in a dilemma |