PoliticsAugust 21, 2026

sophistry

SOF-ih-stree

Definition

The use of clever but false, fallacious, or misleading arguments, especially with the intent to deceive.

Etymology

The word originates from the Greek 'sophistēs', meaning a 'wise man' or 'teacher'. In ancient Greece, the Sophists were known for their skill in argument, but the term later acquired a negative connotation for arguments that are deceptively fallacious.

In the news

In the article, the Chief Executive uses the word to suggest that the offenders disguised their illegal activities and real agendas behind complex, deceptive rhetoric.

HK Alliance long been spreading hatred: CE

Read the full article ↗

香港電台新聞網

Related words

Learn words like this every day

Meet new words every morning.

Newspoken pulls carefully chosen words from the day’s news — with clear definitions, context, and light review that makes them stick. Get it on your phone.