sophism

[ sof-iz-uhm ]

/ ˈsɒf ɪz əm /

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noun

a specious argument for displaying ingenuity in reasoning or for deceiving someone.

any false argument; fallacy.

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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.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of sophism

1300–50; <Latin sophisma sophistry <Greek sóphisma originally, acquired skill, method, derivative of sophízesthai to act the sophist, become wise; replacing earlier sophim,Middle English <Middle French sophime<Latin

OTHER WORDS FROM sophism

an·ti·soph·ism, noun

Words nearby sophism

soph, Sophar, sopher, Sophia, Sophie, sophism, sophist, sophister, sophistic, sophisticate, sophisticated

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use sophism in a sentence

The vagaries of sophism in the English-speaking world were hardly less prolific than in Continental Europe.
The War Upon Religion|Rev. Francis A. Cunningham
The conclusion must naturally follow from the premises, otherwise the syllogism is invalid and constitutes a fallacy or sophism.
Your Mind and How to Use It|William Walker Atkinson
But then it is a sophism to argue from thence that this immunity is the cause of my delight either on these or on any occasions.
The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. I. (of 12)|Edmund Burke
The sophism which I am here combating will not stand the test of progression, which is the touchstone of principles.
Essays on Political Economy|Frederic Bastiat

In the course of the next joint debate at Jonesboro', Mr. Lincoln easily disposed of this sophism by showing: 1.
A Short Life of Abraham Lincoln|John G. Nicolay

British Dictionary definitions for sophism

sophism

/ (ˈsɒfɪzəm) /

noun

an instance of sophistryCompare paralogism

Word Origin for sophism

C14: from Latin sophisma, from Greek: ingenious trick, from sophizesthai to use clever deceit, from sophos wise, clever

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

sophism

Origin of sophism

OTHER WORDS FROM sophism

Words nearby sophism

Words related to sophism

How to use sophism in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for sophism

Word Origin for sophism