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sophistry

Noun

IPA /ˈsɒfɪstri/

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Meaning in plain English

Clever-sounding reasoning that misleads people or supports a false conclusion.

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Pronunciation

sophistry/ˈsɒfɪstri/

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An argument sounds clever
Its reasoning is misleading

Sophistry can sound persuasive while supporting a false conclusion.

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He used sophistry to make his broken promise sound like a favour.
The tutor challenged the sophistry in the argument rather than its confident tone.

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He used ________ to make his broken promise sound like a favour.

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sophistry — Clever-sounding reasoning that misleads people or supports a false conclusion.

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Clever-sounding reasoning that misleads people or supports a false conclusion.

Compare: He used sophistry to make his broken promise sound like a favour.

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Word origin

Related to Greek sophistes, a teacher or expert, and sophos, wise, through French and Latin.

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Accusing an argument of sophistry challenges its reasoning, even if its language sounds impressive.

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