Words: lemma, dilemma [MW]

(Thing taken or received; a given condition.)

Main Entry: lem·ma
Pronunciation: 'le-m&
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural lemmas or lem·ma·ta /-m&-t&/
Etymology: Latin, from Greek lEmma thing taken, assumption, from lambanein to take -- more at LATCH
1 : an auxiliary proposition used in the demonstration of another proposition
2 : the argument or theme of a composition prefixed as a title or introduction; also : the heading or theme of a comment or note on a text
3 : a glossed word or phrase

Main Entry: di·lem·ma
Pronunciation: d&-'le-m& also dI-
Function: noun
Etymology: Late Latin, from Late Greek dilEmmat-, dilEmma, probably back-formation from Greek dilEmmatos involving two assumptions, from di- + lEmmat-, lEmma assumption -- more at LEMMA
1 : an argument presenting two or more equally conclusive alternatives against an opponent
2 a : a usually undesirable or unpleasant choice b : a situation involving such a choice ; broadly : PREDICAMENT
3 a : a problem involving a difficult choice b : a difficult or persistent problem
- dil·em·mat·ic /"di-l&-'ma-tik also -"dI-/ adjective
usage Although some commentators insist that dilemma be restricted to instances in which the alternatives to be chosen are equally unsatisfactory, their concern is misplaced; the unsatisfactoriness of the options is usually a matter of how the author presents them. What is distressing or painful about a dilemma is having to make a choice one does not want to make. The use of such adjectives as terrible, painful, and irreconcilable suggests that dilemma is losing some of its unpleasant force. There also seems to be a tendency especially in sense 3b toward applying the word to less weighty problems .