Basic Details
Word: Spurious
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Not genuine or true; false or deceitful.
Synonyms: Fake, counterfeit, false
Antonyms: Genuine, authentic, true
Idioms and Phrases
- Spurious claims: Claims that are misleading or not based on truth. Example: "The advertisement was filled with spurious claims about the product that misled customers."
- Spurious reasoning: Flawed logical arguments that lead to incorrect conclusions. Example: "His argument was based on spurious reasoning, which confused everyone in the debate."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The scientist was careful to avoid spurious findings that could misinform the public.
Example 2: Many spurious websites try to sell fake products that do not work.
Example 3: She realised that her friend's story about winning the lottery was spurious and meant to impress others.
Fun Fact
The word "spurious" comes from the Latin word "spurius," which originally meant "illegitimate" or "born out of wedlock." It is often used to describe things that are not what they claim to be.
Famous Quote
"The truth often suffers more by the errors of one who is sincere than by the indifference of those who are spurious." – R. S. Sayce
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "spurious" mean?
a) Real and true
b) Not genuine or false
c) Old and worn
d) Large and heavy
Answer: b) Not genuine or false
2. Which of these is a synonym of "spurious"?
a) Genuine
b) Authentic
c) Fake
d) True
Answer: c) Fake
3. Which sentence uses "spurious" correctly?
a) The spurious person is always honest.
b) The spurious product worked better than the real one.
c) The spurious information caused confusion.
d) All books are spurious.
Answer: c) The spurious information caused confusion.
4. Which idiom means the same as "spurious"?
a) Spurious claims
b) Truth will out
c) As clear as mud
d) A false dawn
Answer: a) Spurious claims
5. What is the opposite of "spurious"?
a) Fake
b) Authentic
c) Counterfeit
d) False
Answer: b) Authentic
