Definition

Describing something that falsely claims to be classic or is mistakenly thought to be classic.

Example

The film was labeled as a pseudoclassic, but it lacked the depth and quality of true classics.

Conversation

Have you read that new book everyone is talking about?

Yeah, I did! It was pretty good, but I think it felt a bit pseudoclassic to me.

I know what you mean; it tried really hard to capture that classic vibe.

Exactly! Sometimes it’s better when a book just does its own thing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pseudoclassic → It is formed from "pseudo-" (from Greek "pseudes", meaning false) and "classic" (from Latin "classicus", meaning belonging to the highest class). The word "pseudoclassic" refers to something that is falsely regarded as classic or of high quality.

Memory Tip

Think of 'false' ('pseudo-') and 'belonging to the highest class' ('classic') to remember that 'pseudoclassic' means something that is falsely considered to be of high quality.

Visually Confused Words