Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Logic) A conclusion that does not follow from the premises: In formal logic and argumentation, a non sequitur is a statement or conclusion that is not logically connected to or justified by the previous argument or evidence.
   • A reply that has no relevance to what preceded it: In everyday conversation, a non sequitur is a response or remark that seems random and is unrelated to the topic being discussed.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Logical Fallacy):

  • His argument was full of non sequiturs, making it impossible to follow his reasoning.
  • The politician's claim about economic growth was a complete non sequitur given the data he presented.

• Noun (Irrelevant Remark):

  • During the meeting about budgets, her comment about the weather was a total non sequitur.
  • "I like turtles," he said, which was a puzzling non sequitur in the middle of our serious discussion.

Advanced Usage

• As a rhetorical device: While typically a flaw in logic, a deliberate can sometimes be used for comedic or absurdist effect in writing or conversation.
  • The comedian's routine relied on a series of hilarious non sequiturs that kept the audience laughing.

Variants and Related Words

• Non sequitur is a Latin phrase adopted directly into English. It is typically used as a noun. The plural form is non sequiturs.
• Illogical (adj): Lacking sense or sound reasoning.
  • His conclusion was illogical.
• Fallacy (n): A mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound argument.
  • The argument was based on a common logical fallacy.

Synonyms

• Irrelevancy: Something not connected with the matter at hand.
• Illogicality: The quality of being illogical.
• Non-connection: A lack of connection.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To go off on a tangent: To suddenly start talking about a different subject. (This describes the action, while a is the resulting irrelevant statement.)
  • He went off on a tangent about his vacation.
• Out of left field: Coming as a complete surprise and seeming unrelated.
  • That question came out of left field.

Noun

1. (logic) a conclusion that does not follow from the premises
2. a reply that has no relevance to what preceded it