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Pseudoscience: meaning, definitions and examples

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pseudoscience

 

[ ˈsjuːdəʊˌsaɪəns ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

scientific study

Pseudoscience refers to claims, beliefs, or practices that are presented as scientific but lack the evidence and methodology that are characteristics of legitimate science. It often relies on anecdotal evidence, lacks empirical support, and does not adhere to the scientific method.

Synonyms

charlatanry, false science, quackery.

Examples of usage

  • Astrology is considered a pseudoscience by the scientific community.
  • Some alternative medicine practices are criticized as pseudoscience.
  • Pseudoscience can lead to misconceptions about health and science.
  • Many conspiracy theories are rooted in pseudoscientific beliefs.

Translations

Translations of the word "pseudoscience" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pseudociência

🇮🇳 छद्म विज्ञान

🇩🇪 Pseudowissenschaft

🇮🇩 pseudoscience

🇺🇦 псевдонаука

🇵🇱 pseudonauka

🇯🇵 疑似科学

🇫🇷 pseudoscience

🇪🇸 pseudociencia

🇹🇷 pseudobilim

🇰🇷 유사 과학

🇸🇦 علم زائف

🇨🇿 pseudověda

🇸🇰 pseudoveda

🇨🇳 伪科学

🇸🇮 pseudonauka

🇮🇸 pseudovísindi

🇰🇿 псевдонаука

🇬🇪 პსევდო მეცნიერება

🇦🇿 psevdomüəssisə

🇲🇽 pseudociencia

Etymology

The term 'pseudoscience' combines the Greek prefix 'pseudo-', meaning 'false' or 'deceptive', with the word 'science', which originates from the Latin 'scientia', meaning 'knowledge'. The usage of the term began to gain traction in the 19th century as various movements and theories emerged that claimed to be scientific but did not conform to established scientific principles. Notable examples include phrenology, astrology, and other disciplines that sought to explain human behavior and natural phenomena without the rigorous methods of experimentation and validation that characterize true scientific inquiry. The rise of the modern scientific method and increased rigor in research further highlighted the distinctions between genuine science and pseudoscience. Today, the term is frequently employed in discussions about the validity of certain theories and practices, especially those related to health, psychology, and metaphysical claims.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,321, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.