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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- fallacies
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It's a common _____ that money alone brings happiness.
Etymology
From Latin fallacia ("deception"), from fallere ("to deceive").
Synonyms
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false belief
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for fallacy
See all rhymes for fallacy →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.
