dilemma
UK[dɪˈlemə]US[dɪˈlemə]
n
a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially ones that are equally undesirable.
n
a form of argument presenting an opponent with a choice between two (or more) alternatives, both unfavorable to them.
Morpheme Breakdown
di
lemma
di
two
lemma
proposition
Etymology
the word 'dilemma' entered english in the early 16th century from latin 'dilemma', which itself was borrowed from greek 'δίλημμα'. the greek term is a compound of 'di-' meaning 'two' and 'lēmma' meaning 'premise' or 'assumption'. originally a technical term in rhetoric and logic, it described an argument that forces an adversary to choose between two unfavorable propositions. over time, the meaning broadened from this specific logical construct to describe any difficult choice between two equally unappealing options, capturing the essence of being caught between two horns of a problem.
Analysis
Structure: di (two) + lemma (proposition)
di- (from greek δι-, meaning 'twice, double'); lemma (from greek λῆμμα, meaning 'something taken, an assumption, a premise').
Examples
she faced the dilemma of choosing between her career and her family.
the ethical dilemma posed by the new technology was debated by the committee.
he was caught in a dilemma, as both courses of action seemed to lead to trouble.