sophistic
|soph-is-tic|
/səˈfɪstɪk/
clever but misleading
Etymology
'sophistic' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'sophisticus', ultimately from Greek 'sophistikos' formed from 'sophos' meaning 'wise' or 'skilled in wisdom'.
'sophistic' passed into English via Late Latin/Medieval scholarly usage (Latin 'sophisticus' ← Greek 'sophistikos'), entering English with senses relating to the 'sophists' and their methods and later taking on the modern critical sense.
Initially it meant 'pertaining to the sophists' or 'skillful in argument'; over time it evolved to emphasize the negative sense 'using specious or deceptive reasoning'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
using clever but fallacious or deceptive reasoning; of the nature of sophistry; plausible-seeming but misleading.
His sophistic argument persuaded some listeners despite its logical flaws.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/31 03:59