Soi-disant or prétendu? Distancing yourself from a label
Un soi-disant expert claims to be one; un prétendu expert is called one by others. Learn the nuance, the agreement of prétendu and modern usage.
In short
Both mean "so-called" and express doubt. Traditionally, soi-disant (literally "saying himself") applies to people who claim a title themselves: un soi-disant expert. Prétendu applies to what others claim: une prétendue amélioration. Soi-disant never changes; prétendu agrees.
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soi-disantself-styled, so-called
Focus: the person claims it themselves (traditional rule)
invariable: un / une / des soi-disant…
Une soi-disant voyante m'a prédit l'avenir.
A self-styled psychic predicted my future.
prétendu(e)(s)alleged, so-called
Focus: the claim comes from others; also for things
agrees like an adjective
La prétendue réforme ne change rien.
The so-called reform changes nothing.
les prétendus coupables
the alleged culprits
What is the difference between soi-disant and prétendu?
In everyday French, soi-disant has spread to things and situations (une soi-disant amélioration) and even works as an adverb meaning "supposedly": Il est soi-disant malade. Careful writers keep the traditional distinction, especially in formal texts and exams. Prétendu sounds more neutral and is common in journalism: le prétendu complot.
Ce soi-disant ami ne m'a jamais rappelé.
This so-called friend never called me back.
Irony: he claimed to be a friend.
Les prétendues preuves ont été rejetées par le tribunal.
The alleged evidence was rejected by the court.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| censé(e) | supposed to |
| présumé(e) | presumed, alleged (legal) |
| entre guillemets | in inverted commas |
| à ce qu'il paraît | apparently |
| il paraît que… | rumour has it that… |
Soi-disant is often a vehicle for irony in speech: Elle est soi-disant au régime (she's supposedly on a diet). In news reports, journalists prefer présumé for people accused of crimes, because of the presumption of innocence: l'auteur présumé de l'agression.
- des soi-disants expertsdes soi-disant experts
Soi-disant is invariable.
- une prétendu solutionune prétendue solution
Prétendu agrees with the noun.
- Il prétend être… → il est prétenduIl se prétend expert.
Se prétendre: to claim to be.