specious
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents
English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
From Latin speciōsus (“good-looking”).
Pronunciation[edit]
Adjective[edit]
specious (comparative more specious, superlative most specious)
- Seemingly well-reasoned, plausible or true, but actually fallacious.
- This idea that we must see through what we have started is specious, however good it may sound.
- 1776, Thomas Paine, Common Sense
- I have frequently amused myself both in public and private companies, with silently remarking, the specious errors of those who speak without reflecting.
- Having an attractive appearance intended to generate a favorable response; deceptively attractive.
- (obsolete) Beautiful, pleasing to look at.
Synonyms[edit]
- (seemingly well-reasoned, but fallacious): fallacious, insincere
- (with appearance intended to generate a favorable response): meretricious
Derived terms[edit]
Translations[edit]
seemingly well-reasoned, but fallacious
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