adj
Uncommon
pseudo
SOO-doh
Pseudo (adj) means Fake or not genuine; only appearing to be something. Example: “The company released a pseudo-apology that didn't actually admit any wrongdoing.”
adj
1
Fake or not genuine; only appearing to be something.
"The company released a pseudo-apology that didn't actually admit any wrongdoing."
"The shop sold pseudo leather bags that were really made of plastic."
"Their pseudo friendliness vanished the moment the customer left."
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."
"Everyone at the party knew he was a pseudo who had never read the books he quoted."
"She rolled her eyes at the pseudo sitting at the next table talking about art."
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."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for pseudo
See all rhymes for pseudo →Frequently asked questions
What does “pseudo” mean?
The word “pseudo” means fake or not genuine; only appearing to be something. In plain terms, fake, false, or only pretending to be the real thing.
How do you pronounce “pseudo”?
“Pseudo” is pronounced SOO-doh (/ˈsuːdoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “pseudo” in a sentence?
Here is “pseudo” used in a sentence: “The company released a pseudo-apology that didn't actually admit any wrongdoing.”
What part of speech is “pseudo”?
Depending on how it is used, “pseudo” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “pseudo” come from?
The word “pseudo” comes from Greek. From the Greek prefix pseudo-, from pseudes, "false, lying.".
Is “pseudo” a common word?
“Pseudo” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “pseudo” have?
“Pseudo” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: fake or not genuine; only appearing to be something.
What is the difference between "pseudo" and "fake"?
"Pseudo" describes something that is not genuine but only appears to be a certain thing, often used as a prefix or modifier, such as "pseudo-intellectual." "Fake" is a more general and blunt term for anything counterfeit or not real, without the same nuance of merely resembling the genuine article.
Is "pseudo" formal or informal, and how is it typically used?
"Pseudo" as a standalone adjective or noun is informal and often carries a mildly critical or mocking tone, such as calling someone "a pseudo" for pretending to be more sophisticated than they are. It is more commonly seen combined with other words as a prefix, such as "pseudonym" or "pseudoscience."
What does it mean to call someone "a pseudo"?
Calling someone "a pseudo" is an informal, critical way of saying they are putting on airs or pretending to be more sophisticated or intellectual than they really are. It implies a judgment that the person's persona is not genuine.
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