Final answer:
The word 'specious' means something that is misleading, appearing to be true or reasonable but actually being false.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word 'specious' means appearing to be true or reasonable, but actually being wrong or false; it describes something that is misleading in appearance, especially in a way that appears more attractive or better than it really is. Therefore, the correct option from the choices given is 3) Misleading. The use of 'specious' suggests that the appearance of being truthful or accurate does not actually align with veracity.
For example, one might encounter a specious argument in a debate, which at first glance seems to be logical and sound, but upon closer examination, is found to be based on fallacies or incorrect assumptions. It's critical to discern between what is merely specious and what is genuinely valid, especially in academic work and everyday critical thinking.