What does trilemma mean?

Definitions for trilemma
trilem·ma

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word trilemma.


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Wiktionary

  1. trilemmanoun

    A circumstance in which a choice must be made between three options that seem equally undesirable.

  2. trilemmanoun

    A syllogism containing three alternatives that each infer the same conclusion.

  3. Etymology: Modelled on dilemma, replacing di-, two with tri-, three

Wikipedia

  1. Trilemma

    A trilemma is a difficult choice from three options, each of which is (or appears) unacceptable or unfavourable. There are two logically equivalent ways in which to express a trilemma: it can be expressed as a choice among three unfavourable options, one of which must be chosen, or as a choice among three favourable options, only two of which are possible at the same time. The term derives from the much older term dilemma, a choice between two or more difficult or unfavourable alternatives. The earliest recorded use of the term was by the British preacher Philip Henry in 1672, and later, apparently independently, by the preacher Isaac Watts in 1725.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Trilemmanoun

    a syllogism with three conditional propositions, the major premises of which are disjunctively affirmed in the minor. See Dilemma

  2. Trilemmanoun

    a state of things in which it is difficult to determine which one of three courses to pursue

Wikidata

  1. Trilemma

    A trilemma is a difficult choice from three options, each of which is unacceptable or unfavourable. There are two logically equivalent ways in which to express a trilemma: it can be expressed as a choice among three unfavourable options, one of which must be chosen, or as a choice among three favourable options, only two of which are possible at the same time. The term derives from the much older term dilemma, a choice between two or more difficult or unfavourable alternatives. The earliest recorded use of the term was by the British preacher Philip Henry in 1672, and later, apparently independently, by the preacher Isaac Watts in 1725.

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary

  1. Trilemma

    trī-lem′a, n. a dilemmatic syllogism with three alternative propositions.

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of trilemma in Chaldean Numerology is: 6

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of trilemma in Pythagorean Numerology is: 1


Translations for trilemma

From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary

  • ಟ್ರಿಲೆಮ್ಮKannada
  • మూడు మార్గాల్లో ఓ దానిని అనుసరించాల్సిన స్ధ్తితిTelugu

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"trilemma." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 10 May 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/trilemma>.

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    (law) the act of substituting of one creditor for another
    A couvade
    B foumart
    C nidus
    D subrogation

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