Which term is used to describe something superficially plausible but actually false?

Which term is used to describe something superficially plausible but actually false?

• A. Specious
• B. Genuine
• C. Plausible
• D. Logical

Answer: (A)

Specious describes something that seems convincing on the surface but is actually false or misleading. The appeal comes from surface-level plausibility while the underlying reasoning is weak or unsupported. In evaluating claims, a specious argument can use convincing statistics, tempting but irrelevant comparisons, or emotional appeal to hide a flaw in logic. That’s why this term fits: it captures the idea of something that looks right at first glance but isn’t truly sound. The other words describe different ideas: plausible means capable of seeming likely, genuine means real or authentic, and logical means well-reasoned and coherent.

Specious describes something that seems convincing on the surface but is actually false or misleading. The appeal comes from surface-level plausibility while the underlying reasoning is weak or unsupported. In evaluating claims, a specious argument can use convincing statistics, tempting but irrelevant comparisons, or emotional appeal to hide a flaw in logic. That’s why this term fits: it captures the idea of something that looks right at first glance but isn’t truly sound. The other words describe different ideas: plausible means capable of seeming likely, genuine means real or authentic, and logical means well-reasoned and coherent.