plausible vs specious

[songgi89]

The ___ arguments used by the demagogue were certain to deceive many people.

1. plausible
2. specious

I believe specious is more appropriate as an answer for this question but I also think plausible is a compelling answer according to the definition from Dictionary.com which says " 2.well-spoken and apparently, but often deceptively, worthy of confidence or trust".
Am I right?

 

[Rover_KE]

Both answers are acceptable.

Also from Dictionary.com:

specious — apparently good or right though lacking real merit; superficially pleasing or plausible:

 

[lotus888]

Specious has a negative connotation, whereas plausible is usually in the positive.

I would pick 2.



--lotus

 

[SoothingDave]

Things that are plausible do not deceive.

 

[thedaffodils]

Specious has a negative connotation, whereas plausible is usually in the positive.

I would pick 2

--lotus

I am on your side. Cambridge Dictionary Online defines demagogue is disapproving. If specious has a negative connotation, I think it is more appropriate to choose 2.

Neither a teacher nor native speaker.

 

[Raymott]

Things that are plausible do not deceive.

"No new taxes!" This is a plausible promise from a politician, but it can also be deceptive if the politician has no intention of keeping the promise. In fact, one could say that being plausible is the only way that it could deceive. An implausible promise is less likely to deceive, as I see it.