A dictum is a formal statement or pronouncement, especially one delivered by someone in authority. When a judge makes a dictum in court, or a principal announces a new school policy with firm language, they're making an official declaration about how things should be.

The word comes from Latin meaning “something said,” and it carries weight and finality. A dictum isn't a suggestion or a casual remark: it's a pronouncement meant to settle a matter. A famous scientist might issue a dictum about proper research methods. A coach might deliver a dictum about team behavior. Supreme Court justices sometimes include dicta (the plural form) in their written opinions, making formal statements about legal principles.

Obiter dictum is a related legal phrase meaning “a thing said in passing.” These are remarks a judge makes that aren't essential to the decision but offer additional thoughts or observations. Law students learn to distinguish between the core ruling and these side comments.

In everyday use, calling something a dictum suggests it was stated with authority and expects to be followed, though it may carry a hint that the pronouncement was a bit pompous or overly formal.