Definition of so-called adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

so-called

adjective

/ˌsəʊ ˈkɔːld/

[only before noun] used to show that you do not think that the word or phrase that is being used to describe somebody/something is appropriate
- the opinion of a so-called ‘expert’
- How have these so-called improvements helped the local community?
Questions about grammar and vocabulary?

Find the answers with Practical English Usage online, your indispensable guide to problems in English.
[usually before noun] used to introduce the word that people usually use to describe something
- artists from the so-called ‘School of London’

See so-called in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee so-called in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English

Check pronunciation: so-called

noun

From the Topic

Oxford Learner's Dictionaries Word of the Day