pseudo
UK /ˈs(j)uːdəʊ/ · US /ˈsuːdoʊ/ noun, adjective
Forms pseudos pseud
- noun (derogatory) An intellectually pretentious person; a pseudointellectual.
- noun A poseur; one who is fake.
- noun (travel industry, informal) pseudo-city code
- noun (Internet, clipping) A pseudonym; a false name used for online anonymity.
- adjective Other than what is apparent; spurious; sham.
- adjective Insincere.
Synonyms
imposter impostor pretender fake faker fraud sham shammer pseud role player
Etymology
From Middle English, derived from prefix pseudo-, itself derived from Ancient Greek ψευδής (pseudḗs, “false, lying”).
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 — from the Wiktionary entry “pseudo”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details