false equivalence
[ fawlsi-kwiv-uh-luhns ]
/ ˈfɔls ɪˈkwɪv ə ləns /
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noun
a logical fallacy in which one assumes or asserts that two things are the same or equal when, while alike in some ways, they are not sufficiently similar to be considered equivalent.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Origin of false equivalence
First recorded in 1880–85
Words nearby false equivalence
false dawn, False Decretals, false diamond, false dichotomy, false dragonhead, false equivalence, false face, false flag, false friend, false front, false fruit
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use false equivalence in a sentence
And no one is better equipped to refute this false equivalence than Mack herself.
Stop Blaming Christy Mack: Porn Stars Don’t Deserve to Be Beaten|Samantha Allen|August 13, 2014|DAILY BEASTWe ought to reject any false equivalence between the Obama and the Romney campaigns.
Why Believe Romney Now, After His Lies on Medicare, Bain & Taxes?|Robert Shrum|August 22, 2012|DAILY BEAST