- sophist (n.)
- 1540s, earlier sophister (late 14c.), from Latin sophista, sophistes, from Greek sophistes, from sophizesthai "to become wise or learned," from sophos "wise, clever," of unknown origin. Greek sophistes came to mean "one who gives intellectual instruction for pay," and, contrasted with "philosopher," it became a term of contempt. Ancient sophists were famous for their clever, specious arguments.