Specious vs. Spurious — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 18, 2024
Specious arguments appear true or genuine but lack real merit, while spurious ones are outright false or not based on genuine facts.
Difference Between Specious and Spurious
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Specious arguments often seem convincing at first glance due to their superficial plausibility, whereas spurious arguments lack any foundation of truth and are easily identifiable as false with a closer examination. On the other hand, spurious claims are typically recognized for what they are once the evidence is closely scrutinized; they do not hold up under critical analysis because they are fundamentally disconnected from the facts.
In the realm of logical discourse, a specious argument might be crafted with more care to appear logical or credible, while spurious arguments are generally more easily dismissed by those familiar with the subject matter.
Specious and spurious both denote a departure from truth, but the former does so in a more subtly misleading way, often using elements of truth to deceive, whereas the latter denotes something that is clearly false or fabricated.
Understanding the distinction between specious and spurious arguments is crucial in critical thinking and logical analysis, as it aids in identifying the nature of the falsehood: whether it is cleverly disguised as truth or is outright and obviously false.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Seemingly plausible or true, but actually wrong
False or fake, lacking authenticity or validity
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Basis of Argument
May have elements of truth, but misleading
Lacks any basis in truth or reality
Perception
Initially convincing or attractive
Generally recognized as false upon closer inspection
Use in Discourse
To deceive by appearing to be sound or valid
To mislead with false claims or data
Detection
Requires critical thinking to uncover falsehood
Easier to identify due to lack of genuine evidence
Compare with Definitions
Specious
Misleadingly attractive.
The offer seemed beneficial but was actually specious.
Spurious
Based on false premises.
The spurious argument collapsed under scrutiny.
Specious
Deceptively appealing.
The advertisement used specious claims to attract customers.
Spurious
False, not genuine.
The rumor was quickly identified as spurious.
Specious
Appearing to be right.
His argument was specious, appealing to emotions rather than logic.
Spurious
Illegitimate, not based on truth.
His credentials were found to be spurious.
Specious
Plausible but wrong.
The theory was specious, failing under scientific scrutiny.
Spurious
Lacking authenticity.
The artifact was exposed as a spurious imitation.
Specious
Superficially convincing.
The specious reasoning misled many into agreement.
Spurious
Misleading, deceptive.
The spurious logic was intended to confuse the audience.
Specious
Having the ring of truth or plausibility but actually fallacious
A specious argument.
Spurious
Lacking authenticity or validity in essence or origin; not genuine
Spurious poems attributed to Shakespeare.
Specious
Deceptively appealing
"It is easy enough to give the old idea [of programmatic music] a specious air of modernity" (Aaron Copland).
Spurious
Not trustworthy; dubious or fallacious
Spurious reasoning.
A spurious justification.
Specious
Seemingly well-reasoned, plausible or true, but actually fallacious.
This idea that we must see through what we have started is specious, however good it may sound.
Spurious
(Archaic) Born to unwed parents.
Specious
Employing fallacious but deceptively plausible arguments; deceitful.
Spurious
False, not authentic, not genuine.
His argument was spurious and had no validity.
Specious
Having an attractive appearance intended to generate a favorable response; deceptively attractive.
Spurious
Extraneous; stray; not relevant or wanted.
I tried to concentrate on the matter in hand, but spurious thoughts kept intruding.
Spurious emissions from the wireless mast were causing nearby electrical equipment to go haywire.
Specious
(obsolete) Beautiful, pleasing to look at.
Spurious
(archaic) bastardly, illegitimate
Specious
Alt form of speciose.
Spurious
Not proceeding from the true source, or from the source pretended; not genuine; counterfeit; false; adulterate.
Specious
Presenting a pleasing appearance; pleasing in form or look; showy.
Some [serpents] specious and beautiful to the eye.
The rest, far greater part,Will deem in outward rites and specious formsReligion satisfied.
Spurious
Not legitimate; bastard; as, spurious issue.
Specious
Apparently right; superficially fair, just, or correct, but not so in reality; appearing well at first view; plausible; as, specious reasoning; a specious argument.
Misled for a moment by the specious names of religion, liberty, and property.
In consequence of their greater command of specious expression.
Spurious
Plausible but false;
Specious reasoning
The spurious inferences from obsolescent notions of causality
Specious
Plausible but false;
Specious reasoning
The spurious inferences from obsolescent notions of causality
Spurious
Born out of wedlock;
The dominions of both rulers passed away to their spurious or doubtful offspring
Specious
Plausible but false;
A specious claim
Spurious
Intended to deceive;
A spurious work of art
Specious
Based on pretense; deceptively pleasing;
The gilded and perfumed but inwardly rotten nobility
Meretricious praise
A meretricious argument
Common Curiosities
How can I identify a specious argument?
A specious argument can be identified by closely examining the logic and evidence presented, revealing its misleading nature despite an initially convincing appearance.
What does specious mean?
Specious refers to something that appears true or valid at first glance but is actually misleading or false.
What does spurious mean?
Spurious describes something that is false, not genuine, or lacking any basis in reality or truth.
How do specious arguments differ from fallacies?
Specious arguments are a type of fallacy, specifically those that deceive by appearing to be sound, whereas not all fallacies are necessarily specious.
Can something be spurious but not intentionally deceptive?
Yes, something can be spurious due to errors or misunderstandings rather than deliberate deceit.
Can a statement be both specious and spurious?
A statement could be considered both if it appears superficially convincing but is also fundamentally false, though they are typically used in distinct contexts.
Is it always easy to distinguish between specious and spurious?
Not always; some arguments may blur the lines, requiring careful analysis to classify.
What are some examples of spurious claims?
Spurious claims include false scientific theories, fabricated news stories, and counterfeit products.
Why are specious arguments dangerous?
Because they are misleadingly convincing, specious arguments can lead people to accept false conclusions based on their superficial plausibility.
What is the impact of spurious data in research?
Spurious data can lead to incorrect conclusions, tarnishing the credibility of research and potentially causing harm if the findings are applied in practice.
Do specious and spurious have synonyms?
Yes, but their synonyms might not capture the specific connotations of appearing truthful or the complete lack of authenticity, respectively.
How can I protect myself against specious reasoning?
Developing critical thinking skills and always seeking evidence-based conclusions can help protect against specious reasoning.
What role does evidence play in identifying spurious claims?
The lack of genuine evidence or the presence of falsified evidence is key in identifying spurious claims.
How does the context affect whether an argument is considered specious?
Context is crucial; an argument might seem plausible in one setting but specious in another, depending on the knowledge and critical thinking skills of the audience.
Can visuals be specious or spurious?
Yes, visuals can also mislead by appearing convincing (specious) or being outright false (spurious).
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
