specious
UK: ˈspiːʃəs | US: ˈspiːʃəs
adj. superficially plausible but actually false
adj. deceptively attractive or fair
The word specious originates from Latin speciosus ("beautiful, plausible"), derived from species ("appearance"). Over time, its meaning shifted from "pleasing to the eye" to "deceptively attractive" in English (early 17th century), reflecting skepticism toward superficial charm. The root spec- persists in words like spectacle (something seen) and suspect (to look at with doubt).
His specious argument collapsed under closer scrutiny.
The product’s specious claims misled many consumers.
She saw through his specious flattery.
The theory seemed logical but was ultimately specious.
Politicians often use specious reasoning to justify their actions.