specious argument

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Word: Specious Argument

Definition: A "specious argument" is a type of reasoning or claim that seems to be true or valid at first glance, but is actually misleading or false upon closer examination.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "specious argument" when talking about debates, discussions, or situations where someone presents a point that sounds good but is not based on solid evidence or logic.

Example:

• Many politicians use specious arguments to convince people to support their policies, even if those arguments aren't based on real facts.

Advanced Usage:

• In academic writing or critical thinking discussions, you might analyze a specious argument to demonstrate how it misleads people.

Word Variants:

• Specious (adjective): This describes something that is misleading in appearance or apparently good but lacking real merit.
  • Example: The specious reasoning in his presentation left the audience confused.

Different Meanings:

• The word "specious" on its own means something that looks good but is not true or genuine. It doesn't always have to refer to arguments; it can describe anything that appears attractive but is deceptive.

Synonyms:

• Misleading argument
• Fallacious reasoning
• Deceptive claim

Idioms:

• While there isn't a specific idiom that directly uses "specious argument," you might use phrases like:
  • "Don't be fooled by appearances."
  • "Looks can be deceiving."

Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific phrasal verbs that directly relate to "specious argument," but you might use phrases like "call out" or "debunk" when discussing how to challenge or expose a specious argument.

Academic

Noun

1. an argument that appears good at first view but is really fallacious