sophistry
subtly deceptive reasoning that seems plausible but is flawed
Word origin: From Greek sophistes, a clever but tricky reasoner.
Sophistry in a sentence
Here are example sentences showing sophistry in a sentence.
The lawyer's argument collapsed once the sophistry was exposed.
The lawyer's argument was clever sophistry, leading the jury step by plausible step to a false conclusion.
Using “sophistry” well
Sophistry is reasoning that appears sound but is deliberately deceptive or fallacious. It implies cleverness in service of a misleading end, not honest error.
More GRE words starting with S
to deliberately damage or obstruct something, especially in secret
an intensely sweet, calorie-free artificial sweetener
excessively sweet or sentimental in a cloying way
regarded as too important or sacred to be altered or criticized
having keen practical judgment and discernment
soundness of judgment and acuteness of discernment
most noticeable or important; standing out prominently
of a sickly yellowish or pale complexion
Questions about “sophistry”
See these words the way the GRE tests them.
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