English Explanatory Dictionary

pretense

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The action of pretending; false or simulated show or appearance; false or hypocritical assertion or representation.
  2. Affectation or ostentation of manner.
  3. Intention or purpose not real but professed.
  4. An unsupported claim made or implied.
  5. An insincere attempt to reach a specific condition or quality.
  6. Intention; design.

Pronunciation

/ˈpɹiːtɛns/ en-us-pretense.ogg

Word forms

pretense pretenses pretence prætense

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French pretensse, from Late Latin praetēnsus, past participle of Latin praetendō (“to pretend”), from prae- (“before”) + tendō (“to stretch”); see pretend.

Synonyms

affectation denotes deception for the sake of escape from punishment an awkward situation false pretense fiction imitation pretext sham subterfuge

Related words

pretend pretender pretension pretentiosity pretentious pretentiousness

Derived words

pretensed pretenseful pretenseless
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