What does "eristic" mean?
One who makes specious arguments; one who is disputatious.
Eristic
adj, noun
adj, noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: One who makes specious arguments; one who is disputatious.
- Grammar: eristic is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: aggressive, argumentation method, argumentative, bellicose.
- Useful contrasts: amicable, conciliator, conciliatory.
- Usage evidence: c. 1810-1834? Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Notes on Waterland a specimen of admirable special pleading in the court of eristic logic
How to use "eristic"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "eristic" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
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- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "eristic" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "eristic" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "eristic" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 One who makes specious arguments; one who is disputatious.
- 2 the art of logical disputation (especially if specious) wordnet
- 3 A type of dialogue or argument where the participants do not have any reasonable goal. The aim is to argue for the sake of conflict, and often to see who can yell the loudest.
- 4 a person who disputes; who is good at or enjoys controversy wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Provoking strife, controversy or discord.
"c. 1810-1834? Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Notes on Waterland a specimen of admirable special pleading in the court of eristic logic"
Adjective
- 1 given to disputation for its own sake and often employing specious arguments wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"c. 1810-1834? Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Notes on Waterland a specimen of admirable special pleading in the court of eristic logic"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "eristic"?
Common synonyms include: aggressive, argumentation method, argumentative, bellicose, belligerent, bickering.
How do you use "eristic" in a sentence?
c. 1810-1834? Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Notes on Waterland a specimen of admirable special pleading in the court of eristic logic
Etymology
Borrowed from Ancient Greek ἐριστικός (eristikós, “eager for strife”). See also Eris.