pseudo

¹

[soo-doh]

adjective

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

2. almost, approaching, or trying to be.

pseudo-

²

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 ).

pseudo-

¹

combining form

1. false, pretending, or unauthentic

   pseudo-intellectual

2. having a close resemblance to

   pseudopodium

pseudo

²

/ ˈsjuːdəʊ /

adjective

1. informal,  not genuine; pretended

Word History and Origins

Origin of pseudo-¹

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

Origin of pseudo-²

< Greek, combining form of pseudḗs false, pseûdos falsehood

Word History and Origins

Origin of pseudo-¹

from Greek pseudēs false, from pseudein to lie

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

The right wing — the fascists, the militarists, the super pseudo masculinists — they love to kick down.

From Salon

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

From Salon

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

From BBC

He also took or permitted to be taken or made indecent images or pseudo photos of children between 2007 and 2012.

From BBC