Spurious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คฅ
spurious
[หspjสษriษs ]
Definitions
inaccurate
Not genuine, sincere, or authentic; based on false ideas or bad reasoning.
Synonyms
bogus, fake, false, fraudulent, unsubstantiated.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| spurious |
Used when something appears to be genuine but isn't, often referring to arguments, claims, or data.
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| false |
Used in a variety of contexts to mean incorrect or untrue, often relating to statements, beliefs, or reports.
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| bogus |
Informally used, often in everyday conversation or media, to describe something that is completely false or made up, like fake documents or stories.
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| fake |
Commonly used to describe counterfeit items, imitations, or people pretending to be someone they're not. It's straightforward and widely understood.
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| fraudulent |
Applicable in legal or formal contexts, referring to deceitful actions, often involving financial gain or manipulative strategies.
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| unsubstantiated |
Typically used to describe claims, reports, or accusations that lack evidence or proof. It's formal and often used in serious contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The article was full of spurious claims and misleading information.
- The police quickly dismissed the spurious tip about the missing person.
logic
Superficially plausible, but actually wrong.
Synonyms
deceptive, dubious, fallacious, misleading, specious.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| spurious |
Use this word to describe something that lacks authenticity or validity and is not what it seems to be. Often used in a formal or academic context.
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| deceptive |
Use this word when something is intended to deceive or give a false impression. Commonly used in everyday language and discussions about appearances versus reality.
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| fallacious |
Use this word in a more formal or academic context to describe ideas, arguments, or reasoning that is based on a mistaken belief or false logic.
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| specious |
Use this word to describe an argument or reasoning that seems plausible on the surface but is actually wrong or deceptive. It's often used in formal writing and discussions.
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| misleading |
Use this word for something that gives the wrong idea or impression, whether intentionally or unintentionally. It's a straightforward term commonly used in daily contexts.
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| dubious |
Use this word to express doubt or suspicion about someone or something. Often implies reservations or lack of certainty.
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Examples of usage
- The argument seemed convincing at first, but upon closer inspection, it was spurious.
- The spurious reasoning behind his decision was exposed during the debate.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In scientific research, conclusions drawn from spurious data can lead to misleading results, emphasizing the importance of verifiable information.
- Spurious correlations occur when two variables seem to be related but are actually influenced by a third factor or coincidence.
- The phrase 'spurious relationship' is commonly used to warn against misleading interpretations in statistics and data analysis.
Literature
- In literature, characters can be described as spurious if they show false identities or hidden motives, creating tension in narratives.
- Many modern thrillers and detective novels explore the concept of spurious appearances, where things are not as they seem.
- Famous works have utilized spurious elements, such as deceptive plots or unreliable narrators, to challenge readersโ perceptions.
Psychology
- Cognitive biases can lead individuals to misinterpret information, resulting in spurious beliefs that seem reasonable but are flawed.
- The illusion of control can produce spurious confidence, where a person believes they can influence outcomes that are actually random.
- Spurious associations in memory can lead people to recall events inaccurately, demonstrating how false narratives can shape our understanding.
Pop Culture
- In movies, many plot twists revolve around spurious characters who present themselves as heroes but are revealed to be villains.
- The phenomenon of 'fake news' can give rise to spurious narratives that spread widely before being debunked.
- Social media often features spurious lifestyles where individuals pretend to lead glamorous lives, creating unrealistic standards.
Origin of 'spurious'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'spurious' comes from the Latin word 'spurius', meaning 'illegitimate' or 'false'.
- In the 16th century, 'spurious' was used to describe the offspring of parents not married, highlighting its context of being not genuine.
- It began appearing in texts during the English Renaissance, often relating to ideas of authenticity and deception.
The word 'spurious' originated from the Latin word 'spurius' meaning illegitimate or false. It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe things that are not genuine or authentic. Over time, it has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings related to falsehood and deception.