pseudo

[ soo-doh ]
See synonyms for pseudo on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. not actually but having the appearance of; pretended; false or spurious; sham.

  2. almost, approaching, or trying to be.

Origin of pseudo

1
First recorded in 1940–45; independent use of pseudo-

Other definitions for pseudo- (2 of 2)

pseudo-

  1. a combining form meaning “false,” “pretended,” “unreal,” used in the formation of compound words (pseudoclassic; pseudointellectual): in scientific use, denoting close or deceptive resemblance to the following element (pseudobulb; pseudocarp), and used sometimes in chemical names of isomers (pseudoephedrine).

Origin of pseudo-

2
<Greek, combining form of pseudḗs false, pseûdos falsehood
  • Also especially before a vowel, pseud-.

Words that may be confused with pseudo-

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use pseudo in a sentence

  • The next source from which we learn anything of this part of the subject is the pseudo-Euclidean Introductio Harmonica.

    The Modes of Ancient Greek Music | David Binning Monro
  • "We've very much obliged to you, Miss Fulton," Bristow said in his pseudo-pleasant way.

    The Winning Clue | James Hay, Jr.
  • In pseudo-angina, frequently observed in hysterical women, its action is all that can be desired.

  • And this false conviction I found in the pseudo-Christian religion which men had been teaching for fifteen hundred years.

    My Religion | Leo Tolstoy
  • Ethical and moral instruction have disappeared from our pseudo-Christian society without leaving a trace.

    My Religion | Leo Tolstoy

British Dictionary definitions for pseudo (1 of 2)

pseudo

/ (ˈsjuːdəʊ) /


adjective
  1. informal not genuine; pretended

British Dictionary definitions for pseudo- (2 of 2)

pseudo-

combining form
  1. false, pretending, or unauthentic: pseudo-intellectual

  2. having a close resemblance to: pseudopodium

Origin of pseudo-

2
from Greek pseudēs false, from pseudein to lie

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012