Pseudo Meaning and Definition

Pseudo

Pseudo

Pronunciation

/ˈsuːdoʊ/

Part of Speech

Prefix

Definition

A prefix used to indicate a false or pretended quality, condition, or relationship; a fake or artificial aspect.

Examples

  • The pseudo-intellectual writings of the author were widely criticized.
  • The company’s pseudo-green marketing campaign was seen as insincere.

Synonyms

  • Fake
  • Artificial
  • False

Antonyms

  • Real
  • Authentic
  • True

Etymology

The prefix “pseudo-” comes from the Greek word “ψευδός” (pseudos), meaning “false” or “pretended”. It has been used in English since the 16th century to indicate a fake or artificial quality.

Usage Notes

The prefix “pseudo-” is often used in formal writing and technical contexts to indicate a false or pretended quality. It can be used to describe a wide range of phenomena, from intellectual pretensions to artificial environments.

Cultural References

The term “pseudo-” has been used in various cultural references, including literary works such as Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Birthmark” and Martin Heidegger’s “The Question Concerning Technology”.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Common idioms or phrases that include the prefix “pseudo-” are:

  • pseudo-scientific
  • pseudo-intellectual
  • pseudo-religious

Related Words or Phrases

Words or phrases closely related in meaning or usage to “pseudo-” include:

  • fake
  • artificial
  • false
  • pretended

Collocations

Common word combinations with the prefix “pseudo-” are:

  • pseudo-event
  • pseudo-science
  • pseudo-intellectualism

Frequency of Use

The prefix “pseudo-” is relatively rare in everyday speech, but it is commonly used in formal writing and technical contexts to indicate a false or pretended quality.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of the prefix “pseudo-” include:

  • suodo
  • pseudoaa
  • pseudoa

Related Words