Sophism - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A sophism is a clever but misleading argument, often used to deceive or persuade unfairly. It appears logical but contains flaws in reasoning or false premises.
Definition:
A clever but false argument intended to deceive, often seeming plausible.
Synonyms:
fallacy, deception, equivocation, casuistry
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
truth, honesty
Common Collocations:
logical sophism, clever sophism, political sophism
Derivatives:
sophist, sophistic, sophistical
Usage Tips:
Use 'sophism' to describe misleading arguments that appear logical but are flawed or deceptive.
Common Phrases:
"win by sophism, " "debater's sophism, " "political sophistry"
Etymology:
From Greek 'sophisma' (clever device), from 'sophizesthai' (become wise), related to 'sophos' (wise).
Examples:
- 1. The politician's argument was pure sophism, designed to mislead voters.
- 2. Don’t be fooled by his sophism; the logic is flawed.
- 3. Her essay exposed the sophism in the advertiser’s claims.
- 4. Debaters often use sophism to win arguments unfairly.