non sequitur

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 16, 2025 is "non sequitur", a noun that refers to a statement that does not logically follow from or is not clearly related to what was previously said. An example of a non sequitur is when someone suddenly changes the topic of conversation, such as mentioning their dog while discussing a new restaurant. The term comes directly from Latin, where it means "it does not follow". In English, the plural form of non sequitur is non sequiturs. The word was borrowed into English in the 16th century by logicians, initially referring to a conclusion that did not follow the preceding statements. Over time, the meaning has broadened to include statements that seem unrelated to the topic or come out of the blue. The term is often used to describe a sudden change in conversation or a statement that seems out of place. A non sequitur can be used to add humor or surprise to a conversation, but it can also be confusing or distracting. The word is often used in everyday conversation, as well as in formal writing and logic. Despite its origins in logic, the term has taken on a more casual meaning in modern English.