pseudo

¹ American  

[soo-doh] / ˈsu doʊ /

adjective

1. not actually but having the appearance of; pretended; false or spurious; sham.

2. almost, approaching, or trying to be.

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pseudo- ² American  

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 ).

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pseudo- ¹ British  

combining form

1. false, pretending, or unauthentic

   pseudo-intellectual

2. having a close resemblance to

   pseudopodium

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pseudo ² British  

/ ˈsjuːdəʊ /

adjective

1. informal not genuine; pretended

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Etymology

Origin of pseudo¹

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

Origin of pseudo-²

< Greek, combining form of pseudḗs false, pseûdos falsehood

Example Sentences

Their goal is to provide as much support to their athletes as possible, using their facilities as a gym, baseball lab and pseudo health clinic.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a big bow on this pseudo “Gossip Girl” holiday.

From Salon

The guidance describes this as a "harmful pseudo science".

From BBC

Let’s help people recover rather than use the transit systems as pseudo housing.

From Seattle Times

To all of you, to all of us, I encourage you to not give up after being duped by some pseudo self-made digital cook with a large following.

From Salon