specious

[US]/ˈspiːʃəs/
[UK]/ˈspiːʃəs/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

adj. deceptively plausible or attractive; superficially good or right; misleading in appearance

Phrases & Collocations

specious reasoning

specious argument

Example Sentences

the music trade gives Golden Oldies a specious appearance of novelty.

He fences his doctrines with the specious plea that statesmen mustlive as the world lives.

C.E.From the term”Sophist”come the words”sophistry,”or specious argument, and”sophisticated,” with its connotation of clever glibness;

The specious argument failed to convince the jury.

She made a specious excuse for being late.

His specious reasoning led him to the wrong conclusion.

The specious advertisement misled many consumers.

Don't be fooled by his specious promises.

The specious appearance of the product turned out to be deceptive.

The specious reasoning was quickly debunked by experts.

She used specious arguments to avoid taking responsibility.

His specious logic was easily dismantled by critical thinkers.

The specious claim was refuted with solid evidence.

Real-world Examples

The bear patrol must be working like a charm! " " That's specious reasoning, Dad.

Source: WIL Life Revelation

Money must be “shorn of its specious promise” he says; let the state underwrite a tiny core of deposit-taking banks.

Source: The Economist - Arts

The specious present includes elements at all stages on the journey from sensation to image.

Source: Analysis of the Heart (Part 2)

The young officer remembered with astonishment its specious, settled, and hospitable air on his arrival.

Source: New Arabian Nights (Volume 1)

Everything belonging to it is included with sensation in what is called the " specious present" .

Source: Analysis of the Heart (Part 2)

She struck a match and lighted it up with a great specious glow which illuminated the room.

Source: The Little Princess (Original Version)

Succession can occur within the specious present, of which we can distinguish some parts as earlier and others as later.

Source: Analysis of the Heart (Part 2)

He mocked at his reasoning, calling it specious and " American" --his criteria of uncerebral phrase-making was that it was American.

Source: The Night's Gentle Embrace (Part 1)

This message, often based on specious " scientific" studies and reports, gets played over and over again on media outlets purporting to be objective.

Source: Intermediate and advanced English short essay.

But even a specious justification can motivate people to be busy and that people who are busy are happier than people who are idle.

Source: Psychology Mini Class

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