motte
- noun
- /mɑt/
- Jargon
:
motte
- Debaters sometimes use a motte to avoid defending their more controversial ideas.
Examples
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Her argument seemed bold at first, but she soon relied on the motte when challenged.
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He retreated to his motte during the debate.
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When pressed on the details, he quickly retreated to the motte of his original, safer statement.
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The politician's motte was clear and defensible.
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In the heated debate, she retreated to her motte when her original argument was challenged.
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During the discussion, he used a motte to defend his controversial opinions against criticism.
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When faced with opposition, many people choose a motte to shield their more disputed claims.
How Defensible
- Jargon
11
7.0
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word motte used in arguments comes from the castle image motte-and-bailey, where the motte was a small, strong 'mound' people could hide on. So in debate a motte is a safe claim someone retreats to when their bolder idea is attacked.