Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
specious
This term describes a deceptive quality where the exterior appearance of an argument or claim is polished and convincing, while the internal logic is flawed or fraudulent. It carries a strong negative connotation of intentionality or intellectual dishonesty, suggesting a trap designed to fool the unwary.
In professional or academic settings, it is used to dismiss reasoning that seems logical on the surface but collapses under rigorous scrutiny. It differs from a simple mistake or an erroneous claim by emphasizing the misleadingly attractive nature of the falsehood.
Meanings
Examples
The lawyer presented a specious argument that fooled the jury for a while.
It sounds like a great deal, but the logic is entirely specious.
His explanation for the missing funds was specious at best.
His explanation for the missing funds was specious at best.
The treaty was based on specious claims of territorial rights.
The treaty was based on specious claims of territorial rights.
Stop trying to mislead me with these specious justifications.
I cannot believe she fell for such a specious excuse.
The advertisement makes a specious claim about the product's effectiveness.
The advertisement makes a specious claim about the product's effectiveness.
That theory is specious and lacks any empirical evidence.