tertium quid
Derived from Latin, "tertium quid" refers to an entity or concept that is distinct from two other known entities, often serving as an intermediary or undefined third component.
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Definition
C1General
A third entity that is distinct from two other entities, often serving as an intermediary.
Example
- In the debate, the mediator acted as a tertium quid, providing a balanced perspective.
C2Philosophy
(academic)A third option or alternative that is distinct from two mutually exclusive possibilities.
Example
- The philosopher proposed a tertium quid to resolve the apparent contradiction.
C2Historical
(historical)A faction or group that represents a third force distinct from two main parties.
Example
- In early American politics, the tertium quid faction opposed both the Federalists and the main Republican Party.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "tertium quid":