Definition

A type of reasoning or argument that seems correct but is actually misleading or false.

Example

The politician's speech was filled with sophistry, making it hard to discern the truth.

Conversation

I was reading about some debates yesterday, and I found the arguments really interesting.

Oh really? Were they convincing?

Not all of them; some relied on sophistry to make their point.

That sounds frustrating — it's hard to trust an argument like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sophistry is derived from "sophos" (meaning wise) and "sophia" (meaning wisdom) in Greek, combined with the suffix "-try" (meaning the practice of). The term originally referred to the practice of wisdom or skill, but it has come to mean a deceptive or fallacious argument.

Memory Tip

Think of 'wisdom' ('sophos') and 'the practice of' ('-try') to remember that sophistry refers to the practice of using clever but misleading arguments.

Visually Confused Words