Where does “dilemma” come from?
Dilemma comes from Late Latin dilemma, from Ancient Greek δίλημμα, combining δι- (two) and λαμβάνω (to take), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European dwi- (two) and dwóh₁ (two).
dilemma (English): A circumstance in which a choice must be made...
Definitions
- A circumstance in which a choice must be made...
Ancestry of “dilemma”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Latin | dilēmma | conclusion from two premises |
| 2 | Ancient Greek | δίλημμα | a conclusion from two premises |
| 3 | Ancient Greek | λῆμμα | gain, income; premise, assumption |
| 4 | Ancient Greek | λαμβάνω | I take; I receive, get; I take hold of |
| 5 | Proto-Hellenic | hlagʷ- | — |
| 6 | Proto-Indo-European | (s)leh₂gʷ- | to seize, take; to take, seize |