ψευδώνυμος
pseudṓnymos
G5581 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Bearing a false or deceptive name; used to describe something or someone given a misleading or inauthentic designation, often implying that the name does not correspond to the true nature or character of the thing or person named. Semantically, it refers to something that is only purportedly designated as such, but is so named without justification or truth.
Semantic Range
bearing a false name, falsely named, misleadingly designated, having an inauthentic or spurious label, so-called (but not in reality)
Root / Etymology
Compound of ψευδής (false, deceptive) and ὄνομα (name), literally 'false-named' or 'with a false name.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
ψευδώνυμος is a relatively rare word in ancient Greek, appearing in later Hellenistic and early Christian literature, including the New Testament (1 Timothy 6:20) where it is used figuratively to dismiss 'knowledge' that only claims the title, but is not genuine. Its earliest attestation is post-classical; in earlier Greek, other terms for falsehood or impersonation (e.g. πλαστός, ἀπατηλός) were more common. The English 'pseudonym' derives directly from this term, originally meaning someone writing under a false or assumed name, but in Koine Greek it may refer generally to anything designated in a misleading way. 'Falsely so called' in translation traditions narrows the sense; the word can refer to any use of a false name or title, not limited to people. The usage in the New Testament critiques things or doctrines purporting to be what they are not, especially in polemical contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ψευδής and ὄνομα; untruly named:--falsely so called.
Root Family
ψευδώνυμος (pseudōnymos) — false, deceptive, name
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5581-01 |
ψευδωνύμου | pseudonumou | ADJ.S GEN F SG |
falsely-named | of a falsely named one | falsely named | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5581-01 |
1 Timothy 6:20 | ψευδωνύμου | pseudonumou | ADJ.S GEN F SG |
falsely-named | of a falsely named one | falsely named |