'anti-sophistic' is a Modern English compound formed from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against') and 'sophistic' (from Greek 'sophistikos', related to 'sophist' and 'sophos' meaning 'wise' or 'skillful in argument').

'sophistic' entered English via Latin 'sophisticus' and ultimately from Greek 'sophistikos' (related to 'sophistēs'/'sophos'); the prefix 'anti-' comes from Greek 'anti-'. The modern compound 'anti-sophistic' was formed in English by joining these elements to express opposition to sophistry.

Initially the root referred to skill in wisdom or argument; over time 'sophistic' and 'sophistry' acquired negative connotations of specious or deceptive argument, and 'anti-sophistic' came to mean opposing such deceptive rhetorical practices.