so-called

[ soh-kawld ]

adjective

1. called or designated thus:

   the so-called Southern bloc.

2. incorrectly called or styled thus:

   so-called intellectuals.

so-called

adjective

1. 1. prenominal designated or styled by the name or word mentioned, esp (in the speaker's opinion) incorrectly

      a so-called genius

   2. ( also used parenthetically after a noun )

      these experts, so-called, are no help

Word History and Origins

Origin of so-called¹

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

But so-called jungle primaries are notoriously hard to predict or poll.

From The Daily Beast

Now is hardly the time to be doing anything on the so-called peace process other than trying to avoid an explosion on the ground.

From The Daily Beast

It also demonstrated that the so-called “trend” of natural went beyond trend.

From The Daily Beast

In recent years news outlets have documented the rise of so-called “birth tourism” here in America.

From The Daily Beast

Support is a good thing and the broader the so-called movement can be, the better.

From The Daily Beast

Many so-called "humming tones" are given for practice, but in accepting them observe whether the foregoing principle is obeyed.

From Project Gutenberg

In future years the poor-rate (so-called) will include, in addition to these, all other rates levyable by the Corporation.

From Project Gutenberg

Perhaps his almost perfectly spontaneous love of tiny flowers is already a considerable advance on his so-called prototype.

From Project Gutenberg

The so-called war credit banks are designed to serve this purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

Her active intellect and love of freedom sympathized with the speculations of the so-called philosopher.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• alleged
• formal
• purported
• self-styled