non sequitur
Say it: non SEK-wih-tuh /nɒn ˈsɛkwɪtə/ · noun
What “non sequitur” means
A statement or conclusion that doesn't follow from what's been said.
More precisely: A conclusion or statement that doesn't logically follow from what came before.
When to use it
When a reply or conclusion has no logical connection to the previous point. Usually analytical, sometimes used jokingly.
Memory trick
Latin “non sequitur” means “it does not follow”: the conclusion doesn't follow the reasoning.
Similar words
illogical leap, irrelevance
Where it comes from
Latin, 'it does not follow'.
Quick check
Someone says your neighbour owns a blue bicycle, so she must be excellent at baking bread. That conclusion is…
a deduction or a non sequitur?
Show the answer
a non sequitur
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