specious
|spe/cious|
C1
/ˈspiːʃəs/
deceptively attractive
Etymology
Etymology Information
'specious' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'speciosus,' where 'speciosus' meant 'beautiful or fair.'
Historical Evolution
'speciosus' transformed into the Old French word 'specieux,' and eventually became the modern English word 'specious' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'beautiful or fair,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'superficially plausible but actually wrong.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
superficially plausible, but actually wrong.
The argument was specious, convincing at first glance but flawed upon closer inspection.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/02/20 00:43