sophistry
UK: ˈsɒf.ɪ.stri | US: ˈsɑː.fɪ.stri
n. the use of clever but false arguments, especially with the intention of deceiving
n. a deliberately invalid argument intended to mislead
Derived from the Greek "sophistēs" (σοφιστής), meaning "a wise or learned person." The root "soph-" (σοφ-) denotes "wisdom," but over time, the term evolved to describe those who used clever but deceptive reasoning, particularly the Sophists in ancient Greece, who taught rhetoric and persuasion—sometimes at the expense of truth. The suffixes "-ist" and "-ry" transform the root into a noun describing the practice of such misleading argumentation.
His argument was pure sophistry, designed to confuse rather than clarify.
Politicians often employ sophistry to avoid answering difficult questions.
The debate was marred by accusations of sophistry from both sides.
She saw through the sophistry of the advertisement’s exaggerated claims.
Ancient philosophers criticized sophistry for undermining genuine philosophical inquiry.