sophistry
/ˈsɒ.fɪ.stɹi/
Group 28Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (noun)
- The use of fallacious arguments, especially with the intention of deceiving GRE
Example in Context
The defense attorney's sophistry convinced no one on the jury, who saw through the clever rhetorical tricks to the weakness of the actual case.
Synonyms
false logicdeceptiontrickery
Etymology
Originally meant 'wisdom,' but now refers to deceptive arguments.
- sophos (Greek) — wise
- ist (Greek) — one who practices
Memory Aid
🌳Sounds like “so fast, tree”
A magician who speaks SO FAST, the audience thinks he's pulling a SO-PHONY trick on a TREE!
Visual Association
🤥A wizard pulling a rabbit out of a tree, confusing the audience with his fast-talking, deceitful nonsense.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “sophistry” mean on the GRE?
sophistry (noun) means “The use of fallacious arguments, especially with the intention of deceiving”. The defense attorney's sophistry convinced no one on the jury, who saw through the clever rhetorical tricks to the weakness of the actual case.
How to remember “sophistry” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “sophistry” sounds like “so fast, tree”. A magician who speaks SO FAST, the audience thinks he's pulling a SO-PHONY trick on a TREE!
What are synonyms for “sophistry”?
Common synonyms: false logic, deception, trickery.