sophistry
Say it: SOF-iss-tree /ˈsɒfɪstri/ · noun
What “sophistry” means
Clever arguments designed to mislead.
More precisely: Clever-sounding but deliberately misleading argument.
Example: “His defence of the price hike was pure sophistry dressed up in charts.”
When to use it
When polished reasoning deliberately hides a weak or dishonest case. A formal, strongly critical word for manipulative argument.
Similar words
casuistry, specious reasoning, quibbling
Where it comes from
From the Sophists, ancient Greek teachers of rhetoric accused of valuing winning over truth.
Quick check
A seller knowingly disguises a smaller portion as better value by comparing the shiny packaging instead of the food. That's…
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sophistry
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