1
Core quality
Seemingly reasonable, true, or attractive at first, but actually false or misleading.
Example
The report rejects the specious claim that correlation proves causation.
specious
/ˈspiːʃəs/ · SPEE-shusadjective
Seemingly reasonable, true, or attractive at first, but actually false or misleading.
Use specious to express this relationship precisely: seemingly reasonable, true, or attractive at first, but actually false or misleading.
What specious Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
His explanation was polished but specious.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
A specious comparison concealed important differences between the groups.
Use specious Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The report rejects the specious claim that correlation proves causation.
His explanation was polished but specious.
A specious comparison concealed important differences between the groups.
Precision Matters
Specious overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
specious
vs.Means seemingly reasonable, true, or attractive at first, but actually false or misleading.
plausible
Means seeming reasonable, credible, or likely to be true, even if not yet proved.
specious
vs.Means seemingly reasonable, true, or attractive at first, but actually false or misleading.
mendacious
Means dishonest and given to lying or making deliberately false statements.
specious
vs.Means seemingly reasonable, true, or attractive at first, but actually false or misleading.
theoretical
Means based on ideas, principles, or models rather than direct observation or practical application.
specious
vs.Means seemingly reasonable, true, or attractive at first, but actually false or misleading.
sophistry
Means clever but deceptive reasoning that appears plausible while concealing a false or invalid argument.
Test specious in Context
The promise appears convincing but is actually misleading.
1
The proposal's ___ promise of 'zero cost' ignored the taxes required to fund it.