adj
pseudo
SOO-doh
adj
1
Fake or not genuine; only appearing to be something.
"The company released a pseudo-apology that didn't actually admit any wrongdoing."
noun
1
Informal term for someone who is putting on airs or pretending to be more sophisticated or intellectual than they are.
"He came off as a bit of a pseudo, dropping big words he didn't fully understand."
How to Use Pseudo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFake, false, or only pretending to be the real thing.
Common pairings
pseudo-intellectual
pseudo-science
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The company released a _____-apology that didn't actually admit any wrongdoing.
Etymology
From the Greek prefix pseudo-, from pseudes, "false, lying."