Dictionary > Specious

Specious

specious
1. Presenting a pleasing appearance; pleasing in form or look; showy. Some serpents specious and beautiful to the eye. (bp. Richardson) The rest, far greater part, Will deem in outward rites and specious forms religion satisfied. (milton)
2. Apparently right; superficially fair, just, or correct, but not so in reality; appearing well at first view; plausible; as, specious reasoning; a specious argument. Misled for a moment by the specious names of religion, liberty, and property. (Macaulay) In consequence of their greater command of specious expression. (J. Morley)
Synonym: Plausible, showy, ostensible, colourable, feasible. See Plausible.
Spexiously, Speciousness.
Origin: L. Speciosusgood-looking, beautiful, specious, fr. Species look, show, appearance; cf. F. Specoeux. See Species.

Last updated on January 12th, 2021

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