Sophistry

Pronunciation: /ˈsɑːfɪstri/

Definitions of sophistry

noun a subtle, tricky, superficially plausible, but generally fallacious method of reasoning

Example Sentences

A1 Sophistry is a type of argument that sounds convincing but is actually false.

A2 The politician's speech was full of sophistry, trying to manipulate the audience with deceptive reasoning.

B1 The lawyer's use of sophistry in the courtroom helped sway the jury's opinion in favor of his client.

B2 Detecting sophistry in a debate requires critical thinking skills and the ability to spot logical fallacies.

C1 The philosopher's work delved into the intricacies of sophistry and its impact on ethical reasoning.

C2 The professor's lecture on sophistry challenged students to question the validity of persuasive arguments in academia.

Examples of sophistry in a Sentence

formal The politician's argument was filled with sophistry, attempting to deceive the public with flawed reasoning.

informal Don't fall for his sophistry, he's just trying to trick you with fancy words.

slang That guy's sophistry is so obvious, he thinks he can fool everyone but he's just full of it.

figurative Her words were like a web of sophistry, weaving a complex and deceptive narrative.

Grammatical Forms of sophistry

• plural: sophistries
• comparative: more sophistical
• superlative: most sophistical
• present tense: sophistries
• future tense: will sophistry
• perfect tense: have sophistry
• continuous tense: is sophistry
• singular: sophistry
• positive degree: sophistry
• infinitive: to sophistry
• gerund: sophistrying
• participle: sophistryed

Origin and Evolution of sophistry

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'sophistry' originated from the Greek word 'sophistēs', which referred to a wise man or a master of one's craft.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'sophistry' evolved to refer to the use of clever but false arguments, often with the intention to deceive or manipulate. It has come to be associated with deceptive reasoning or fallacious arguments.