Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

sophism

 - 3 dictionary results

soph⋅ism

  [sof-iz-uhm]
Use sophism in a Sentence
–noun
1. a specious argument for displaying ingenuity in reasoning or for deceiving someone.
2. any false argument; fallacy.
Origin:
1300–50; < L sophisma sophistry < Gk sóphisma orig., acquired skill, method, deriv. of sophízesthai to act the sophist, become wise; r. earlier sophim, ME < MF sophime < L
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To sophism
soph·ism   (sŏf'ĭz'əm)   
n.  

  1. A plausible but fallacious argument.

  2. Deceptive or fallacious argumentation.


[Middle English sophime, sophisme, from Old French sophime, from Latin sophisma, from Greek, from sophizesthai, to be subtle, from sophos, clever, wise.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

sophism 
c.1350, "specious but fallacious argument," from O.Fr. sophime "a fallacy, false argument," from L. sophisma, from Gk. sophisma "sophism, clever device," from sophizesthai "become wise" (see sophist).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Search another word or see sophism on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way