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noun C2 Proficient Uncommon

fallacy

FAL-uh-see

Fallacy (noun) means a mistaken belief, especially one based on flawed reasoning. Example: “It's a common fallacy that money alone brings happiness.”

noun
1
A mistaken belief, especially one based on flawed reasoning.
"It's a common fallacy that money alone brings happiness."
2
An argument that seems logical but is actually flawed or misleading.
"His argument relied on a classic fallacy: attacking the person instead of the point."

How to use fallacy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA false idea or a piece of reasoning that looks convincing but doesn't actually hold up.

Common pairings
common fallacy logical fallacy fall for a fallacy

Word forms

fallacies plural

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It's a common _____ that money alone brings happiness.

Etymology

From Latin fallacia ("deception"), from fallere ("to deceive").

Origin: Latin

false belief

Rhymes for fallacy

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Frequently asked questions

What does “fallacy” mean?

The word “fallacy” means a mistaken belief, especially one based on flawed reasoning. In plain terms, a false idea or a piece of reasoning that looks convincing but doesn't actually hold up.

How do you pronounce “fallacy”?

“Fallacy” is pronounced FAL-uh-see (/ˈfæl.ə.si/ in IPA).

How do you use “fallacy” in a sentence?

Here is “fallacy” used in a sentence: “It's a common fallacy that money alone brings happiness.”

What part of speech is “fallacy”?

“Fallacy” is a noun.

Where does the word “fallacy” come from?

The word “fallacy” comes from Latin. From Latin fallacia ("deception"), from fallere ("to deceive").

Is “fallacy” a common word?

“Fallacy” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

How many meanings does “fallacy” have?

“Fallacy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mistaken belief, especially one based on flawed reasoning.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial