What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pseudo
Example
The company's pseudo commitment to sustainability was exposed when they were caught polluting the river. [pseudo: adjective]
Example
He had a pseudo accent that he put on to impress his friends. [pseudo: prefix]
artificial
Example
The artificial sweetener tasted nothing like real sugar. [artificial: adjective]
Example
The flowers in the garden were all artificial, made of plastic. [artificial: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Artificial is more commonly used than pseudo in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and is more versatile. Pseudo is more commonly used in academic or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pseudo and artificial?
Both pseudo and artificial can be used in formal and informal contexts, but pseudo may be perceived as more formal due to its use in academic or technical writing.
