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Fallacious: meaning, definitions and examples

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fallacious

 

[fəˈleɪʃəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in reasoning

Based on a mistaken belief or unsound argument; deceptive or misleading.

Synonyms

deceptive, false, incorrect, invalid.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fallacious

Use this word when referring to something based on a mistaken belief, typically in more formal and philosophical discussions.

  • The argument was fallacious, leading many to the wrong conclusion.
false

Use this word to describe something that is not true or incorrect. It is a straightforward term that can be used in many contexts.

  • The news report turned out to be false.
incorrect

Best used in situations where a minor error or mistake is being pointed out, often in more casual or educational contexts.

  • His answer to the math problem was incorrect.
invalid

Use this term when discussing something that is not valid or legally acceptable, often used in formal or technical contexts.

  • The contract was deemed invalid because it was signed under duress.
deceptive

This word is best used when something is intentionally misleading or giving a false impression. It can have a negative connotation.

  • His appearance was deceptive; he seemed kind, but he had malicious intentions.

Examples of usage

  • The argument that all politicians are corrupt is fallacious.
  • She used fallacious reasoning to persuade him to invest in her business.
Context #2 | Adjective

in appearance

Superficially plausible, but actually wrong.

Synonyms

deceptive, illusory, misleading, spurious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fallacious

Use this word in formal or academic contexts to describe arguments or reasoning that are logically unsound or based on incorrect information.

  • The scientist debunked the fallacious theory with new evidence.
  • Many fallacious arguments rely on emotional appeal rather than facts.
misleading

Use this term when referring to information, statements, or appearances that lead someone to believe something that isn't true.

  • The misleading label on the box doesn't reflect the actual contents.
  • The politician's speech was filled with misleading statistics.
deceptive

Employ this word when talking about actions, appearances, or statements that intentionally create a false impression.

  • The advertisement was deemed deceptive because it exaggerated the product's effectiveness.
  • Appearances can be deceptive; he may not be as trustworthy as he seems.
illusory

Use this term to describe things that seem real but are actually not, often related to dreams, hopes, or expectations.

  • The sense of security provided by the locked door was illusory.
  • His illusory grandeur was shattered when the truth came out.
spurious

This word is best used in formal writing to describe things that are fake or not genuine, often information or claims.

  • The scientist dismissed the spurious claims as unsubstantiated rumors.
  • She warned us about the spurious documents circulating online.

Examples of usage

  • The fallacious appearance of the product led to many disappointed customers.
  • His fallacious promises were eventually exposed.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'fallax', meaning 'deceptive' or 'trickster'.
  • It evolved in English around the early 17th century, originally used in the context of deceptive arguments.
  • Related words include 'fallacy' and 'fallible', both stemming from the same root and sharing themes of deceit and error.

Logic and Philosophy

  • In logic, a fallacious argument may seem valid but contains fundamental errors in reasoning.
  • Common types of fallacies include ad hominem (attacking the person instead of the argument) and straw man (misrepresenting someone’s argument).
  • Philosophers often study fallacies to sharpen critical thinking and argumentation skills.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often use fallacious reasoning in plot twists, misleading characters about their true nature.
  • Social media can spread fallacious information rapidly, affecting public opinion and attitudes.
  • Comedians sometimes play with fallacies in jokes to emphasize contradictions in popular beliefs.

Psychology

  • Cognitive biases can lead people to believe fallacious arguments because of emotional appeal rather than logic.
  • Confirmation bias makes individuals more likely to accept fallacious ideas that align with their beliefs.
  • Understanding fallacies is crucial for effective communication and can enhance critical thinking skills.

Education

  • Teaching students about fallacies is essential in developing their analytical and reasoning abilities.
  • Debate clubs often focus on identifying fallacious arguments to strengthen participants' skills.
  • Literature classes may analyze texts for fallacious reasoning to help students critique authors' arguments.

Translations

Translations of the word "fallacious" in other languages:

🇵🇹 falacioso

🇮🇳 मिथ्या

🇩🇪 trügerisch

🇮🇩 sesat

🇺🇦 хибний

🇵🇱 fałszywy

🇯🇵 誤った

🇫🇷 fallacieux

🇪🇸 falaz

🇹🇷 yanıltıcı

🇰🇷 잘못된

🇸🇦 مغلوط

🇨🇿 klamný

🇸🇰 klamlivý

🇨🇳 谬误的

🇸🇮 zavajajoč

🇮🇸 villandi

🇰🇿 жалған

🇬🇪 მატყუარეული

🇦🇿 yanıldıcı

🇲🇽 falaz

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,957, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.