so-called

American  

[soh-kawld] / ˈsoʊˈkɔld /

adjective

1. called or designated thus.

   the so-called Southern bloc.

2. incorrectly called or styled thus.

   so-called intellectuals.

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so-called British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of so-called

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

Beijing is channeling substantial investment into the so-called "lithium triangle" — the mineral-rich belt across Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile that holds 56% of the world's lithium reserves.

From BBC

That plan includes implementing its so-called mosaic defense, a decentralized approach that allows individual commanders the autonomy to keep up the fight if cut off from their superiors.

From The Wall Street Journal

It also allowed professionals—or anyone buying an apartment—to obtain so-called golden visas, the renewable 10-year residence permits that are not linked to a particular job.

From The Wall Street Journal

One is to focus on so-called dividend aristocrats, companies that have decadeslong track records of making and raising payouts.

From Barron's

This so-called democratization of alternative assets has rapidly become one of the biggest marketing pushes in the history of investing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• alleged
• formal
• purported
• self-styled