specious

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.3.2 Derived terms 1.3.3 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Latin speciōsus "good-looking".

[edit] Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA: /ˈspiːʃəs/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}
• Rhymes: -iːʃəs

[edit] Adjective

specious (comparative more specious, superlative most specious)

1. Seemingly well-reasoned or factual, but actually fallacious or insincere.

   This idea that we must see through what we have started is specious, however good it may sound.

2. Having an attractive appearance intended to generate a favorable response; deceptively attractive.
3. (obsolete) Beautiful, pleasing to look at.

[edit] Synonyms

• (seemingly well-reasoned, but fallacious): fallacious, insincere
• (with appearance intended to generate a favorable response): meretricious

[edit] Derived terms

• speciosity
• speciously
• speciousness

[edit] Translations