fallacy
Say it: FAL-uh-see /ˈfæləsi/ · noun
What “fallacy” means
A mistaken belief or a mistake in reasoning.
More precisely: A mistaken belief, or an argument built on faulty reasoning.
Example: “It's a fallacy that you need to train for hours every day to get results.”
When to use it
When pointing out faulty reasoning or a widely repeated mistaken belief, usually in debates, essays or thoughtful conversation.
Similar words
misconception, myth, error
Where it comes from
From Latin fallacia, "deceit," from fallere, "to deceive."
Quick check
Someone argues that a product must work because lots of people buy it. That faulty reasoning is…
a fallacy or a fact?
Show the answer
a fallacy
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