Words / C2

SPEESH-uh-s/ˈspiːʃəs/

Specious means looking true or reasonable, but actually false (formal): a specious argument, specious reasoning. False is everyday; spurious (already in the dictionary) is fake or not genuine — the close twin, often of data rather than of plausibility. Sophistry (this batch) is the clever method. Do not file a specious “noted” as a decision.

Meaning

Seeming true or reasonable, but actually wrong or false (formal).

Examples

• “A specious “noted” beside an open flame risk is not a decision.”
• “False is everyday. Spurious is not genuine (already in C2) — often of evidence, not of a smooth excuse. Plausible is “could be true”. A dated close-out is a minute. “Noted” with the door still chained is a gloss. Name the owner; appearance is not a lock.”

Good to know

Apparently sound; actually false. Everyday: false but plausible. Close: spurious (fake — already in C2). Cousin: sophistry (this batch). “Noted” ≠ a close-out.

Near in meaning

false

New