| English Dictionary |
FALLACIOUS
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Dictionary entry overview: What does fallacious mean?
• FALLACIOUS (adjective)
The adjective FALLACIOUS has 3 senses:
1. containing or based on a fallacy
2. intended to deceive
3. based on an incorrect or misleading notion or information
Familiarity information: FALLACIOUS used as an adjective is uncommon.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
Containing or based on a fallacy
Synonyms:
fallacious; unsound
Context example:
an unsound argument
Similar:
invalid (having no cogency or legal force)
Derivation:
fallaciousness (result of a fallacy or error in reasoning)
fallacy (a misconception resulting from incorrect reasoning)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Intended to deceive
Synonyms:
deceitful; fallacious; fraudulent
Context example:
a fraudulent scheme to escape paying taxes
Similar:
dishonest; dishonorable (deceptive or fraudulent; disposed to cheat or defraud or deceive)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Based on an incorrect or misleading notion or information
Context example:
fallacious hope
Similar:
incorrect; wrong (not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth)
Derivation:
fallaciousness (result of a fallacy or error in reasoning)
Context examples
“Madam,” returned Mr. Micawber, “it was the dream of my youth, and the fallacious aspiration of my riper years.”
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
We traveled entirely by compass, and once or twice there were differences of opinion between Challenger and the two Indians, when, to quote the Professor's indignant words, the whole party agreed to trust the fallacious instincts of undeveloped savages rather than the highest product of modern European culture.
(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
This was small consolation, but Miss Mills wouldn't encourage fallacious hopes.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
We have turned our attention to that experiment, on the suggestion of my family, and we find it fallacious.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
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