fallacy
Noun: 1. A mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound argument: A fallacy is an idea that many people believe to be true but is, in fact, false because it is based on incorrect information or faulty reasoning. 2. A failure in reasoning that renders an argument logically invalid: In logic, a fallacy is a flaw in the structure of a deductive argument which makes the argument invalid, or a deceptive, misleading, or false notion in an inductive argument.
The word "fallacy" is used to describe an error in logic or a widely held but incorrect belief. It is a formal term common in academic, philosophical, and critical discussion. - It is often used with verbs like expose, commit, perpetuate, believe in, and be based on. - Common collocations include logical fallacy, common fallacy, and dangerous fallacy.
- The argument that taxes slow economic growth is based on a fallacy.
- He exposed the fallacy in their reasoning by pointing out the missing evidence.
- It is a common fallacy to think that more expensive products are always of higher quality.
- The advertisement relied on the fallacy that using this product will make you instantly popular.
- Pathetic fallacy: A literary term for the attribution of human feelings and responses to inanimate things or animals, especially in art and literature.
- The poet's description of the "mournful wind" is a classic example of the pathetic fallacy.
- To be under a fallacy: To be believing in or acting upon a mistaken idea.
- He was under the fallacy that he could succeed without any preparation.
- Fallacious (adjective): Containing or based on a fallacy; misleading or deceptive.
- His conclusions were fallacious because they were drawn from biased data.
- Fallaciously (adverb): In a fallacious manner.
- The statistic was used fallaciously to support their claim.
- Misconception: A view or opinion that is incorrect because it is based on faulty thinking or understanding.
- Error: A mistake.
- Falsehood: The state of being untrue.
- Illusion: A false idea or belief.
- Sophism: A fallacious argument, especially one used deliberately to deceive.
- Truth: That which is true or in accordance with fact or reality.
- Validity: The quality of being logically or factually sound.
- Soundness: The quality of being based on valid reason or good judgment.
Note: These are specific types of fallacies, not variants of the word itself. - Ad hominem: Attacking the person making the argument rather than the argument itself. - Straw man: Misrepresenting someone's argument to make it easier to attack. - False cause: Presuming that a real or perceived relationship between things means one is the cause of the other. - Slippery slope: Arguing that a relatively small first step leads to a chain of related events culminating in some significant effect. - Appeal to emotion: Manipulating an emotional response in place of a valid or compelling argument.
- a misconception resulting from incorrect reasoning