Apodictical

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Demonstrating a truth so clearly and certainly that it cannot be doubted or disputed
2. Showing an argument or statement that is indisputably valid and logically certain
3. Expressing a proposition or fact that is established beyond any doubt or question

Etymology: "Apodictical" is simply "apodictic" with the adjective-forming suffix "-al" added to it. The base word "apodictic" comes from Greek "apodeiktikos," meaning "demonstrative" or "able to prove," built from "apodeiknunai," "to show forth or demonstrate." In logic, an apodictic statement is one whose truth is necessary and provable, not merely probable, which is why the word came to mean "beyond all doubt." The "-al" ending is a common English adjective suffix, borrowed from Latin "-alis" through Old French, and it is attached to many words that already end in "-ic," such as "logic" and "logical." The doubled sense of "-ic" plus "-al" adds little beyond emphasis, so "apodictical" and "apodictic" are used interchangeably, with "apodictic" being the more common form.

Synonyms: certain, indubitable, unquestionable, incontrovertible, absolute

Antonyms: dubious, uncertain, ambiguous, questionable, indeterminate