post hoc ergo propter hoc

Latin

Etymology

See post (“after”), propter (“because of”), hoc – neuter accusative of hic (“this”), and ergō (“therefore”).

Phrase

post hoc ergo propter hoc

1. (logic) after this, therefore because of this

Usage notes

• The logical fallacy that because something happens after something else, then the first event must be the cause of the second.