Meaning of the word sophist in English

What does sophist mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

sophist

US /ˈsɑː.fɪst/
UK /ˈsɑː.fɪst/
"sophist" picture

Noun

1.

a person who reasons speciously rather than soundly

Example:
His arguments were those of a sophist, designed to mislead rather than enlighten.
The politician was accused of being a sophist, twisting facts to suit his agenda.
2.

(in ancient Greece) a paid teacher of philosophy and rhetoric in the classical period; often associated with moral skepticism and specious reasoning

Example:
Plato often criticized the methods and teachings of the Sophists.
The rise of the Sophists marked a shift in Greek philosophy towards human-centered inquiry.
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