Sophistry: meaning, definitions and examples

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sophistry

 

[ หˆsษ’fษชstrษช ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

philosophical argument

Sophistry refers to a method of reasoning or argumentation that is seemingly plausible but actually invalid or misleading. The term is often used to denote deceptive reasoning or fallacious arguments designed to persuade. Sophists, who were ancient Greek educators, were known for their ability to argue from any position, regardless of its truth. Today, the term carries a negative connotation, signaling a reliance on deception rather than sound logical principles.

Synonyms

deception, fallacy, rhetoric, subterfuge

Examples of usage

  • His argument was just a piece of sophistry.
  • They employed sophistry to mislead the jury.
  • Sophistry can often sound convincing at first glance.
  • Be wary of sophistry in political debates.

Translations

Translations of the word "sophistry" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น sofisma

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเฅ‹เคซเคฟเคธเฅเคŸเฅ€ (เคธเฅ‹เคซเคฟเคธเฅเคŸเฅเคฐเฅ€)

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Sofisterei

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sofisme

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะพั„ั–ัั‚ะธะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ sofistyka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ฉญๅผ (ใในใ‚“)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท sophisme

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ sofisma

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sofizma

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์†Œํ”ผ์ŠคํŠธ๋ฆฌ (์†Œํ”ผ์ŠคํŠธ๋ฆฌ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณูุณุทุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sofistika

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ sofistika

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฏก่พฉ (guวbiร n)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ sofistika

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sรณfismi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะพั„ะธัั‚ะธะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒแƒคแƒ˜แƒกแƒขแƒ˜แƒ™แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sofistika

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ sofisma

Etymology

The term 'sophistry' originates from the Greek word 'sophistes', meaning a wise man or a skilled teacher. In ancient Greece, sophists were philosophers and educators known for their rhetorical skill and ability to argue any position. While they played a crucial role in the development of critical thinking and rhetoric, they were also criticized for promoting relativism and manipulating truth for persuasive effect. This negative perception solidified in philosophical circles, particularly through the critiques of Plato and Aristotle, who viewed sophistry as an intellectual fraud that corrupted the pursuit of genuine knowledge. Over time, the term evolved to its contemporary meaning, highlighting the distinction between persuasive rhetoric and honest argumentation.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,668, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.