noun
fallacy
FAL-uh-see/ˈfæləsi/
An error in belief or reasoning.
The black swan disproves the woman's fallacy that all swans are white.
Etymology
The pieces express the quality of being deceptive. From deception or a false statement, the word developed its logical sense of invalid reasoning that can mislead.
In context
we cannot accept that string of coincidences it must be obvious to you that there is a fallacy somewhere and that the actual facts are not what they seem
More examples
- Her argument rests on the fallacy that popularity proves quality.
- Assuming that one event caused another simply because it happened first is a fallacy.
- The teacher helps us spot logical fallacies in advertisements.
Forms
fallacy · fallacies
fallacious adjective — Based on mistaken beliefs or reasoning.
Similar words
- misconception
- Emphasizes a mistaken belief rather than flawed logical reasoning.
- error
- Covers mistakes generally, not specifically beliefs or reasoning.