adjective
specious
SPEE-shus/ˈspiːʃəs/
Seeming reasonable or true but actually misleading or false.
The apple's flawless skin gives a specious impression of freshness.
Etymology
The appearance root first supported the meaning “good-looking” or “pleasing to the sight.” An attractive exterior could also be merely showy, leading to the sense of an argument that looks reasonable but misleads.
In context
the specious cases against Trump uh there were no claimants who were claiming damage none of the banks that were defrauded came forward to sue him because they got all their money back
More examples
- The ad makes the specious claim that natural ingredients are always safe.
- She offers a specious excuse that falls apart under questioning.
- Comparing rent alone gives a specious impression of how affordable the city is.
Forms
specious
speciously adverb — In a seemingly reasonable but misleading way.
speciousness noun — The quality of seeming sound while misleading.
Similar words
- fallacious
- Emphasizes faulty reasoning rather than a misleading appearance of truth.
- spurious
- Emphasizes falseness or lack of authenticity, not necessarily plausibility.