homo-, hom-, hum-

(Latin: human beings, mankind; literally, "man, men"; however, it now also includes, "woman, women" or all of humanity)

This Latin homo- is related to humus, "earth" or "born" and so it is said to mean "earthly being" or "born of the earth" and it refers to all of humanity. Don't confuse this Latin homo- with the Greek homo- that means "same" or "equal".

1. Directed at a person's character, not to his or her logic or record; maliciously critical: In rhetoric, an ad hominem argument attacks the defenders of an opposing position personally rather than sticking to the point of the discussion.

The editorial in the paper was a very ad hominem piece, directing its attack towards the new mayor.

2. Appealing to personal prejudices or emotions rather than to reason: When debating, participants should avoid ad hominem arguments that question their opponents' motives.

The announcers were cautioned not to use ad hominem comments in their radio broadcast.

Argumentum ad hominem is an effective rhetorical tactic, appealing to feelings rather than to intellect, or directed against an opponent's character rather than the subject under discussion. Argumentum ad hominem is considered a logical fallacy, in that such an argument fails to prove a point by failing to address it. In "practical politics" and in many a court of law, argumentum ad hominem is considered persuasive.

The same name is given to an argument in which one employs an opponent's words or actions. It has been said that an illustration of the argumentum ad hominem is found in the technique of the defense lawyer who, when at a loss for legitimate arguments, attacks the attorney for the plaintiff, but it is said that this is not the current usage of this phrase in the United States.

Artes/scientias/humanitates.

Translation: "Arts/sciences/humanities."

The motto of the New Mexico Highlands University, Las Vegas, New Mexico, USA.

1. Special honor or respect shown or expressed publicly.
2. Ceremonial acknowledgment by a vassal of allegiance to his lord: "A vassal was one who held land from a feudal lord and received protection in return for homage and allegiance."

A reference to someone who is inclined to kill people: The patient was diagnosed as being suicidal or even homicidal and was therefore sent to a psychiatric hospital in hopes of treating his savage, violent, and cruel behavior.

1. The killing of any human being, whether lawfully or unlawfully; in law there are various types: murder, manslaughter, justifiable homicide, excusable homicide, felonious homicide, etc.
2. One who kills a human being; a man-slayer; in earlier use often a murderer.
3. Anyone who kills another person.