fallacy
/ˈfæl.ə.si/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A mistaken belief that seems reasonable but is based on flawed reasoning or false evidence.
- That claim is a fallacy, not fact.
- Politicians often use a fallacy to mislead voters.
Adinary Nuance
Near-neighbors: unlike "error" (a neutral mistake), "fallacy" implies a flawed argument that seems reasonable. It differs from "lie" because a lie is intentional deception, while a fallacy is mistaken reasoning. Writers choose "fallacy" to critique unsound logic, not dishonesty.
In other languages
- Spanish
- falacia
- Japanese
- 誤った推論
- Korean
- 잘못된 추론
- Vietnamese
- sai lô
- Chinese
- 谬误
Etymology
Late Middle English via Old French from Latin fallacia 'deceit', from fallax 'deceitful' — the word signals crafted unsound reasoning.
Common phrases
logical fallacyfallacy ofa common fallacyavoid the fallacy
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is fallacy formal or informal?
- Is fallacy formal or informal?
- How do I use fallacy in an essay?
- How do I use fallacy in an essay?
- What is a common example of a fallacy?
- What is a common example of a fallacy?
- Is fallacy used in academic writing?
- Is fallacy used in academic writing?