sophistry

American  

[sof-uh-stree] / ˈsɒf ə stri /

noun

plural

sophistries

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

2. a false argument; sophism.

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sophistry British  

/ ˈsɒfɪstrɪ /

noun

1. 1. a method of argument that is seemingly plausible though actually invalid and misleading

   2. the art of using such arguments

2. subtle but unsound or fallacious reasoning

3. an instance of this; sophism

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Other Word Forms

• antisophistry noun

Etymology

Origin of sophistry

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English sophistrie, (from Middle French ), equivalent to sophistre “sophist” ( sophister ) + -ie -y ³, from Medieval Latin sophistria , from Latin sophista, sophistes; sophist ( def. )

Example Sentences

Whichever man Odo is, he’s a man who’s capable of covering up pretty much anything with layers of sophistry, becoming “as smooth and serene as the Sphinx.”

From Los Angeles Times

This kind of sophistry is exactly what led to the inexorable collapse of the NCAA’s authority.

From Washington Post

I still marveled at his clever use of words and imagery in an attempt to make his points, but this time his arguments sounded hollow and more like a master class in sophistry.

From Washington Post

There were contradictions, sophistry and duplicity in how he presented himself.

From Salon

Notice FDR’s painstaking enumeration of the elements of his program, and his puncturing of his opponents’ sophistry.

From Los Angeles Times