Dictionary Entry
so-called
Part of SpeechadjectivePronunciation/ˈsəʊˌkɔːld/Word FrequencyCommon (5.46)Curriculum FrequencyLess common (1)So named; commonly called by such a name, often with a connotation that the item is not worthy of that name.
In a Sentence
“These so-called "assistants" are making our jobs harder, not easier!”
Published Usage Examples
“'If there were any lingering doubts concerning the status and integrity of the Palestinian National Authority -- and its so-called President, Mahmoud Abbas (\ "so-called\" because his term of office, such as it was, expired almost a year ago) -- they were surely dispelled once and for all by its decision to drop its su”
“I usually resist the term "so-called," but it's appropriate here because this amendment is not about balancing the budget.”
This entry also appears in ReadingWillow Year 12 word lists, so students can move between the dictionary and year-level study sets.
Origin
From the phrase “so called”, first recorded in the early 19th century.
Common Phrases
Still being gathered for this entry.
Poetry examples for “so-called”
Excerpts from the ReadingWillow English Library collection.
Poetry examples are still being gathered for this entry. They will appear here once matching poems are available in the library.
