What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
casuistry
Example
The professor used casuistry to analyze the ethical implications of the medical case. [casuistry: noun]
Example
She employed casuistic reasoning to navigate the moral complexities of the situation. [casuistic: adjective]
sophistry
Example
The politician's speech was filled with sophistry, trying to convince the audience with misleading arguments. [sophistry: noun]
Example
He used sophistical tactics to twist the facts and win the debate. [sophistical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sophistry is less commonly used than casuistry in everyday language. Casuistry is more commonly used in the field of ethics and philosophy, while sophistry is often used to criticize deceptive or misleading arguments.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between casuistry and sophistry?
Both casuistry and sophistry are more formal words, but casuistry is generally considered more respectable and legitimate in academic and professional contexts, while sophistry is associated with dishonesty and manipulation.
