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 by their lack of action. [pseudo: adjective]
Example
She had a pseudo smile on her face, trying to hide her true feelings. [pseudo: prefix]
fake
Example
The art collector discovered that the painting he bought was a fake. [fake: noun]
Example
He tried to pass off his fake ID as real, but the bouncer saw through it. [fake: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fake is more commonly used than pseudo in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pseudo and fake?
Pseudo is often associated with a more formal tone due to its use in academic or technical contexts, while fake is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.