Fallacious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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?

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?

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'fallacious'

Main points about word origin

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.

The word 'fallacious' originates from the Latin word 'fallāciōsus', meaning deceitful or misleading. It entered the English language in the late 15th century, derived from the Latin 'fallācia' which means deception or deceit. Over time, 'fallacious' has come to be used to describe arguments, reasoning, or appearances that are deceptive or misleading.

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.

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17954 deplore
17955 loo
17956 dissension
17957 fallacious
17958 tripping
17959 enviable
17960 alertness
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