word
sophistry
SOF-ih-stree
ˈsɒfɪstriListen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
Syllable breakdown
sophistry
Sounds like
Say 'SOF-ih-stree'.
Dictionary meaning
The use of clever but misleading arguments; specious reasoning.
History and origin
Greek — 'sophistes' (wise man) — later used pejoratively for those who argued for pay.
Examples
- The politician's response was widely condemned as sophistry — clever-sounding but ultimately hollow.
Common mispronunciations
SOH-fis-treesoh-FIS-tree
Learn one new pronunciation a day
Get a word, name or idiom like “sophistry” in your inbox — daily or weekly, free. Unsubscribe any time.
Something wrong? Suggest a correction