Deceptive; superficially plausible, but actually wrong.

Deceptive; superficially plausible, but actually wrong.

• A. mellifluous
• B. specious
• C. mien
• D. abeyant

Answer: (B)

This item tests a word that means something can look plausible on the surface but is actually wrong. That word is specious. A specious argument or claim seems convincing at first because it uses familiar-looking language or data, but its reasoning is flawed or misleading upon closer inspection. It often relies on surface appearances rather than solid evidence, creating the illusion of truth. The other options don’t fit this nuance: mellifluous describes a pleasing sound, mien refers to outward appearance or demeanor, and abeyant means temporarily inactive or suspended. So the best fit for deceptive yet superficially plausible is specious.

This item tests a word that means something can look plausible on the surface but is actually wrong. That word is specious. A specious argument or claim seems convincing at first because it uses familiar-looking language or data, but its reasoning is flawed or misleading upon closer inspection. It often relies on surface appearances rather than solid evidence, creating the illusion of truth. The other options don’t fit this nuance: mellifluous describes a pleasing sound, mien refers to outward appearance or demeanor, and abeyant means temporarily inactive or suspended. So the best fit for deceptive yet superficially plausible is specious.