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sophism definition

soph·ism (säf′iz′əm)

noun

a clever and plausible but fallacious argument or form of reasoning, whether or not intended to deceive; fallacy or sophistry

Etymology: altered (infl. by L) < ME sophime < OFr soffime < L sophisma < Gr < sophizesthai, to play the sophist < sophos, clever, skillful, wise

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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