Qui nimium probat, nihil probat
“Whoever proves too much proves nothing.”
Maxim of logic and law
What does “Qui nimium probat, nihil probat” mean?
Qui nimium probat, nihil probat translates as “Whoever proves too much proves nothing.”
An argument that goes too far defeats itself. If your reasoning would also prove something absurd, it is flawed.
“Qui nimium probat, nihil probat” word by word
| Latin | English | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Qui | whoever, he who | nominative singular masculine of the relative pronoun qui, quae, quod; here it works as the subject of the clause |
| nimium | too much | adverb, from the neuter of the adjective nimius, “excessive”; here it modifies probat |
| probat | proves | third person singular present active indicative of probo, “to prove, test, approve” |
| nihil | nothing | indeclinable neuter noun, used here as the direct object (accusative) of probat |
| probat | proves | third person singular present active indicative of probo, “to prove, test, approve” |
How to pronounce “Qui nimium probat, nihil probat”
The two versions differ in nihil, where the classical h is sounded and the church version says NEE-keel, and in the vowel quality of nimium. Stress falls on the first syllable of nimium, nihil and probat.
The story behind it
Word for word the line says “who proves too much, proves nothing”. The relative clause names a type of arguer, and the main clause delivers the verdict. The same verb, probat, appears twice, which gives the maxim its balanced, snappy shape.
It is a maxim of logic and law, and it comes from the medieval and early modern schoolroom rather than from a single named author. Scholars and lawyers used it to challenge an argument that overreaches: if the reasoning would also prove something obviously false, it cannot be sound.
The idea survives in modern debate under names such as reductio ad absurdum, and in English as the saying that an argument which proves too much proves nothing. It remains a useful check in philosophy, law and everyday disputes.
How to use “Qui nimium probat, nihil probat”
Suited to an essay or speech on logic, law or debate, a desk motto for anyone who argues for a living, or a tattoo for a lover of clear thinking. It fits any moment when someone’s case is stretched past the point where it holds.
- Latin
- Qui nimium probat, nihil probat
- English
- Whoever proves too much proves nothing.
- Source
- Maxim of logic and law
- Era
- Medieval
- Theme
- Logic
Common mistakes
- It is not a single ancient author’s line. The source is a general maxim of logic and law, so avoid attributing it to Cicero or any named writer.
- Do not read nimium as “very much” in a good sense. It means “too much”, an excess.
- Nihil is neuter and does not change, so do not try to add endings to it when adapting the phrase.
- To address a group or change the subject, the verbs would need adjusting. Qui nimium probant, nihil probant is the plural form, “those who prove too much prove nothing”.
Questions about “Qui nimium probat, nihil probat”
What does “Qui nimium probat, nihil probat” mean literally?
“Who proves too much proves nothing.” The sense is that an argument stretched too far, so that it would prove absurd things too, ends up establishing nothing at all.
Who said “Qui nimium probat, nihil probat”?
No single author is known. It is a maxim of logic and law used by medieval and early modern scholars, so it is best described as a traditional saying.
How do you pronounce “Qui nimium probat, nihil probat”?
In classical Latin: kwee NIH-mih-oom PROH-baht NIH-hil PROH-baht. In church Latin the main differences are in nimium and nihil, which become NEE-mee-oom and NEE-keel.
Is “Qui nimium probat, nihil probat” correct Latin for a tattoo?
Yes, the grammar is sound: a relative clause followed by a main clause, with probat as the verb in both. Keep the comma and the singular verbs if you want the original wording.
More to explore
Translation and grammar checked by Latin Quoter · last reviewed November 2026
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