sophistry

American  

[sof-uh-stree] / ˈsɒf ə stri /

noun

sophistries plural

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

Derived Forms

• antisophistry
  noun

Inflected Forms

noun

• sophistries
  plural

Etymology

Origin of sophistry

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

Explanation

Sophistry is tricking someone by making a seemingly clever argument, like a philosopher who argues that up is down and somehow convinces you. If you accuse someone of sophistry, you mean they’ll lie to make a point. The word sophistry has roots in ancient Greece. The Sophists were teachers who were celebrated in their time but were later thought to be more like con artists who would say anything to win an argument. Sophistry is like spin — it means twisting the truth to bend to one’s needs. Politician might accuse people who disagree with them of using sophistry.

Example Sentences

Though "A View From the Bridge" was her Broadway debut, she had one other stage credit - in an off-Broadway play in 1993 called "Sophistry" with Ethan Hawke where she had only one line.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 20, 2012

There are two startling passages in another new off-Broadway play, the keenly observed if scattershot Sophistry, set on a college campus.

From Time Magazine Archive

Herewith I send you my paper, "The New Sophistry", which I have written at a few vehement sittings, and have carelessly copied.

From Born in Exile by Gissing, George

I have now laid open my affairs to you without Disguise and Stated the Facts as they appear, declining all Comments, or the use of any Sophistry to palliate my application, or urge my request.

From The Works of Lord Byron: Letters and Journals. Vol. 1 by Prothero, Rowland E. (Rowland Edmund), Baron Ernle

Beattie wrote numerous prose dissertations and essays, one of which was in answer to the infidel views of Hume—Essay on the Nature and Immutability of Truth, in Opposition to Sophistry and Scepticism.

From English Literature, Considered as an Interpreter of English History Designed as a Manual of Instruction by Coppee, Henry