似是而非 sìshì-érfēi apparently right but actually wrong
apparently right but actually wrong; specious (idiom)
How to remember 似是而非: 似 resembling + 是 is + 而 and yet + 非 not = apparently right but actually wrong.
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How it is used
- Idiom: seemingly right but actually wrong; specious - 他的论点似是而非 (tā de lùndiǎn sìshì érfēi) his argument sounds plausible but is actually flawed.
- Warns against superficially convincing but false claims. 似 read sì here.
- Used to critique reasoning that only appears sound on the surface.