Definition

A mistaken or misleading argument that is not based on sound reasoning.

Example

The debate was filled with paralogisms that confused the audience.

Conversation

I was reading that article, and it mentioned a paralogism in the author's reasoning.

Oh really? What kind of argument did they make?

They claimed that if A is true, then B must be true, but it doesn’t follow logically.

That sounds like a classic case of paralogism — it's interesting how easily arguments can go off track.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Paralogism is formed from "para-" (meaning beside or beyond) and "logismos" (from "logos", meaning reason or word). The term refers to a reasoning that is beside or beyond the accepted logic, often leading to a fallacy or incorrect conclusion.

Memory Tip

Think of reasoning that goes 'beside' ('para-') the accepted logic ('logos') — that's why paralogism refers to a faulty or misleading argument.

Visually Confused Words