casuistic

Also cas·u·is·ti·cal

[kazh-oo-is-tik]

adjective

1. pertaining to casuists or casuistry.

2. oversubtle; intellectually dishonest; sophistical.

   casuistic distinctions.

Other Word Forms

• casuistically adverb
• noncasuistic adjective
• noncasuistical adjective
• noncasuistically adverb
• overcasuistic adjective
• overcasuistical adjective
• overcasuistically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of casuistic¹

First recorded in 1650–60; casuist + -ic

Example Sentences

The Jansenists, however, endeavored to meet the Papal condemnation with casuistic subtlety.

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In a spirit of reverence they followed the recital of the Haggadah, as the patriarch intoned in a feeble but impressive voice, the queer, outlandish, Talmudic, and casuistic interpretations of the festival.

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The casuistic, practical, individualistic ethics of Confucius were radically changed to general principles of ideal conduct, with the addition of æsthetic elements, and a strong emphasis laid on group loyalty rather than on filial piety.

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Now the casuistic and argumentative element becomes more prominent; the dramatic aspect retires into the background, the philosophical teacher advances.

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Nietzsche in one of his earliest works examines Wagner's theory and amplifies it by a rather casuistic interpretation of the evolution of art.

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Related Words

• bogus 
• deceitful 
• dishonest 
• distorted 
• erroneous 
• fake 
• fanciful 
• faulty 
• fictitious 
• fraudulent 
• improper 
• inaccurate 
• incorrect 
• invalid 
• misleading 
• mistaken 
• phony 
• specious 
• spurious 
• unfounded