pretense

Meaning

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

Synonyms

pretence
30k
pretext
C2
excuse
A1
feint
45k
affectation
guise
C2
make-believe
C2
pretence
30k
sham
C2
show
A1
simulation
C2
dissimulation
feigning
40k
pretension
deceit
C2
disguise
C1
pretending
B2
mimicry
act
A2
pose
C1
appearances
C1
reason
A1
alibi
B2
semblance
32k
dissembling
justification
C2
flattery
C2
front man
game
A1
gasconade
gloss
C2
humbug
25k
hypocrisy
C2
imitation
C2
impersonation
29k
imposture
insincerity
make believe
mask
B2
😷
masquerade
C2
mime
C2
motive
B2
obsequiousness
ostentation
pageant
C1
phony
C1
play
A1
plea
C1
pomposity
quackery
Translations

prétention
pretensión
pretexto
bahane
prétexte
Vorwand
pretexto
apariencia
aparência
simulatio
pretext
pretesto

fingiment

تظاهُر

προσποίηση

Frequency

23k
Pronounced as (IPA)
/ˈpɹiːtɛns/
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.

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English