Definition

Describing something that is misleading or based on false reasoning.

Example

His argument was fallacious and did not hold up under scrutiny.

Conversation

I heard someone say that all politicians are dishonest, but I think that's a fallacious belief.

Yeah, that's a bit extreme; there are definitely some honest ones out there.

Exactly! It's unfair to generalize based on a few bad examples.

For sure, making fallacious claims can really mislead people.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Fallacious → It is formed from "fallacia" (meaning deception or trickery) and the suffix "-ous" (meaning full of). The word "fallacious" means full of deception or misleading.

Memory Tip

Think of 'deception' ('fallacia') to remember that 'fallacious' describes something that is misleading or full of tricks.

Visually Confused Words