/ ˈsɒfɪstri; NAmE ˈsɑːf-/ noun ( pl. -ies ) ( formal )
1.
[ U ] the use of clever arguments to persuade people that sth is true when it is really false
2.
[ C ] a reason or an explanation that tries to show that sth is true when it is really false
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French sophistrie or medieval Latin sophistria , from Latin sophista from Greek sophistēs , from sophizesthai devise, become wise, from sophos wise.