Pseudonym: meaning, definitions and examples

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pseudonym

[ˈsuːdənɪm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

writing

A pseudonym is a fictitious name used by an author instead of their real name.

Synonyms

alias, nom de plume, pen name.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pseudonym	Used when referring to a false or fictitious name adopted by someone to conceal their true identity. Commonly used by authors, performers, or criminals. The famous author published her novels under a pseudonym. The witness used a pseudonym to avoid identification by the press.
pen name	Used when referring to a fictitious name used by authors when publishing their works. This term is straightforward and commonly understood in the context of literature. Samuel Clemens is better known by his pen name, Mark Twain. Many authors choose a pen name to create a distinct identity for their writing.
alias	Used when referring to an alternative name that someone goes by, often to conceal their true identity. It can also be used in legal contexts to indicate an assumed name by a person. The suspect was known by several aliases. The hacker operated under the alias 'ShadowFox'.
nom de plume	A French phrase meaning 'pen name', specifically used for authors. It is a formal and somewhat stylish way to refer to an author's fictitious name. Mary Ann Evans wrote under the nom de plume George Eliot. It's common for writers to choose a nom de plume that resonates with their literary style.

Examples of usage

He decided to write under a pseudonym to protect his privacy.
The famous author used a pseudonym when publishing their early works.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

online

A pseudonym is a username or screen name used in online forums or social media to protect one's identity.

Synonyms

handle, screen name, username.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pseudonym	This is used when an author or creator wants to keep their real identity hidden. It is a more formal term often associated with writers and artists. Mark Twain is the pseudonym of Samuel Clemens. Many authors in the 19th century wrote under a pseudonym.
username	This is a standard term used for logging into any online account, such as email, social media, or a computer system. It is often part of security protocols. Please enter your username and password to log in. He forgot his username for the website.
screen name	This is typically used in the context of online communities or social networking sites. It implies a name used to identify oneself on a computer screen. Your screen name is how other users will see you on the forum. She created a new screen name for her online profile.
handle	This is a casual term often used in the context of online forums, social media, or gaming. It is more informal and is commonly used to refer to someone's nickname or user identification. What's your handle on Twitter? His gaming handle is DragonSlayer99.

Examples of usage

She created a pseudonym to interact anonymously on the internet.
Using a pseudonym allows you to express your opinions without fear of repercussions.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'pseudonymos', meaning 'having a false name'.
The use of pseudonyms dates back to ancient Greece, where playwrights would use them to maintain anonymity.
In literature, authors often adopted pseudonyms to avoid recognition or censorship.

Literature

Famous authors like Mark Twain and George Orwell used pseudonyms to create a separate literary identity.
Many female authors in the 19th century published under male pseudonyms to ensure their work was taken seriously.
Some writers use pseudonyms to explore different genres without affecting their main brand.

Pop Culture

Celebrities frequently use stage names, a type of pseudonym, to create a public persona.
In social media, users may adopt pseudonyms for privacy and to express their personalities more freely.
Characters in movies and books often have pseudonyms that reveal traits or story arcs.

Psychology

Using a pseudonym can help people express themselves more boldly, leading to enhanced creativity.
Anonymity through pseudonyms on online platforms can encourage honest communication and reduce social anxiety.
Some studies show that writers may feel liberated and produce more authentic work when not tied to their real names.

Historical Usage

Revolutionary figures used pseudonyms to protect their identities while advocating for change.
In wartime, individuals often used pseudonyms for safety when communicating sensitive information.
Pseudonyms have also played a role in spy literature, adding intrigue and complexity to characters.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,558, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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18555 sheathing
18556 binoculars
18557 dimmed
18558 pseudonym
18559 concussion
18560 progenitor
18561 immanent
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