SPECIOUSLY

speciously

(adverb) in a specious manner

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Adverb

speciously (comparative more speciously, superlative most speciously)

In a specious manner; fallaciously, erroneously.

Source: Wiktionary

SPECIOUS

Spe"cious, a. Etym: [L. speciosusgood-looking, beautiful, specious, fr. species look, show, appearance; cf. F. spécoeux. See Species.]

1. Presenting a pleasing appearance; pleasing in form or look; showy. Some [serpents] specious and beautiful to the eye. Bp. Richardson. The rest, far greater part, Will deem in outward rites and specious forms Religion satisfied. Milton.

2. Apparently right; superficially fair, just, or correct, but not so in reality; appearing well at first view; plausible; as, specious reasoning; a specious argument. Misled for a moment by the specious names of religion, liberty, and property. Macaulay. In consequence of their greater command of specious expression. J. Morley.

Syn.

– Plausible; showy; ostensible; colorable; feasible. See Plausible.

– Spe"xious*ly, adv.

– Spe"cious*ness, n.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition