Spurious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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spurious

[หˆspjสŠษ™riษ™s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

inaccurate

Not genuine, sincere, or authentic; based on false ideas or bad reasoning.

Synonyms

bogus, fake, false, fraudulent, unsubstantiated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spurious

Used when something appears to be genuine but isn't, often referring to arguments, claims, or data.

  • The scientist dismissed the spurious claims as unverified speculation.
  • His spurious argument did not hold up under scrutiny.
false

Used in a variety of contexts to mean incorrect or untrue, often relating to statements, beliefs, or reports.

  • The witness gave a false testimony.
  • False information spread quickly on social media.
bogus

Informally used, often in everyday conversation or media, to describe something that is completely false or made up, like fake documents or stories.

  • He was arrested for using a bogus passport.
  • The email claiming you won a prize is completely bogus.
fake

Commonly used to describe counterfeit items, imitations, or people pretending to be someone they're not. It's straightforward and widely understood.

  • She bought a fake designer handbag.
  • His smile seemed fake and insincere.
fraudulent

Applicable in legal or formal contexts, referring to deceitful actions, often involving financial gain or manipulative strategies.

  • He was convicted of fraudulent activities.
  • The company was fined for fraudulent advertising.
unsubstantiated

Typically used to describe claims, reports, or accusations that lack evidence or proof. It's formal and often used in serious contexts.

  • The accusations against him were unsubstantiated.
  • The rumor was dismissed as unsubstantiated gossip.

Examples of usage

  • The article was full of spurious claims and misleading information.
  • The police quickly dismissed the spurious tip about the missing person.
Context #2 | Adjective

logic

Superficially plausible, but actually wrong.

Synonyms

deceptive, dubious, fallacious, misleading, specious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • The document was found to be spurious upon closer inspection
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.

  • The marketing campaign was deceptively presenting the product as more effective than it really was
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.

  • The theory was based on fallacious reasoning and was quickly debunked by experts
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.

  • The politician's specious arguments were eventually exposed as false
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.

  • The statistic was misleading and did not represent the true state of affairs
dubious

Use this word to express doubt or suspicion about someone or something. Often implies reservations or lack of certainty.

  • He made some dubious claims about his qualifications

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.


See also: spur, spurt.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,179, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.