Specious
hardNegative toneSPEE-shus
adjective
Definition
Superficially plausible but actually wrong; misleading
Memory hook
SPECIOUS: looks good on the SURFACE (species = appearance) but is actually wrong underneath.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The specious argument fooled many people.”
“His specious reasoning couldn't withstand scrutiny.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ argument fooled many people.”
Show answer
specious
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Specious is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "fallacious" or "sophistic" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "valid".
Related GRE Words
fallacious
Based on a mistaken belief or unsound argument
erroneous
Wrong; incorrect; based on error
bogus
Not genuine or true; fake
counterfeit
Made in imitation with intent to deceive; forged; fake
fraudulent
Obtained, done by, or involving deception; dishonest
apocryphal
Of doubtful authenticity; widely circulated but probably untrue
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