pseudocritical

[ soo-doh-krit-i-kuhl ]

adjective

1. Physics. pertaining to a calculated value or quantity from which corresponding properties of two or more substances can be compared:

   By plotting pseudocritical temperature and pressure on the graph, we can approximate the convergence of the lines of constant volume.

2. of or pertaining to thinking or opinion that comes across as intellectual or sophisticated, but in fact is deeply flawed and often characterized by arrogance, self-delusion, or deception:

   They bought into his pseudocritical promotion of some dreadfully mediocre art shows.

Other Words From

• pseudocritically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of pseudocritical¹

First recorded in 1795–1800; pseudo- ( def ) + critical ( def )