What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pseudo
Example
The company used pseudo-science to promote their product. [pseudo: prefix]
Example
He was a pseudo-intellectual who pretended to know more than he did. [pseudo: adjective]
false
Example
The witness gave a false testimony in court. [false: adjective]
Example
She put on a false smile to hide her disappointment. [false: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
False is more commonly used than pseudo in everyday language. False is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pseudo is less common and is often used in scientific or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pseudo and false?
Pseudo is more formal than false, which is more commonly used in everyday language and can be employed in various formality levels.