specious argument — an argument that seems reasonable or correct at first glance but is actually false or misleading
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: an argument that seems reasonable or correct at first glance but is actually false or misleading
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈspiːʃəs ˈɑːrɡjumənt/
Example Sentences
- The politician's specious argument about tax cuts helping the poor was quickly debunked by economists.
- My brother's specious argument that eating pizza for breakfast is healthy because tomatoes are vegetables didn't fool mom.
- The company's specious argument for raising prices blamed 'market forces' while their profits soared.
specious argument
NOUN[/ˈspiːʃəs ˈɑːrɡjumənt/]
an argument that seems reasonable or correct at first glance but is actually false or misleading
The lawyer's specious argument sounded convincing until the jury spotted the hidden flaw.
His previous schemes were devious, but his specious argument sounds serious!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'specious' derives from Latin 'speciosus,' originally meaning 'beautiful' or 'attractive.' Over time, the term underwent semantic shift from its positive connotation to acquire a negative sense, now denoting something that appears plausible or attractive on the surface but is actually deceptive or misleading.
Breakdown
speciosus (Latin: beautiful, plausible) + -ous (suffix forming adjectives). The morpheme spec- relates to Latin 'specere' (to look or appear), combining with -iosus to create an adjective emphasizing attractive appearance.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The politician's specious argument about tax cuts helping the poor was quickly debunked by economists.”
“My brother's specious argument that eating pizza for breakfast is healthy because tomatoes are vegetables didn't fool mom.”
“The company's specious argument for raising prices blamed 'market forces' while their profits soared.”
“His specious argument that he was 'testing the car's speed limits' didn't impress the traffic officer.”
📚Related Words
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