pretense Meaning & Definition
What Does Pretense Mean?
As a noun, pretense means The action of pretending; false or simulated show or appearance; false or hypocritical assertion or representation. It can also mean Affectation or ostentation of manner.
Pretense at a Glance
| Part of speech | noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈpɹiːtɛns/ |
| Synonyms | pretence, pretension and feigning |
| Plural | pretenses |
Pretense Definition (Noun)
- The action of pretending; false or simulated show or appearance; false or hypocritical assertion or representation.
He visited the king under the pretense of friendliness.
- Affectation or ostentation of manner.
She was a plain-speaking woman without a hint of pretense.
- Intention or purpose not real but professed.
with only a pretense of accuracy
- An unsupported claim made or implied.
- An insincere attempt to reach a specific condition or quality.
- Intention; design.
Synonyms of Pretense
Pretense in a Sentence
He visited the king under the pretense of friendliness.
"Lady Little", the title that she used, was just a pretense.
She appeared to weep uncontrollably, but it was all pretense.
She was a plain-speaking woman without a hint of pretense.
with only a pretense of accuracy
Word Forms & Grammar
pretense (countable and uncountable, plural pretenses)
Words That Rhyme With Pretense
Origin of Pretense
Borrowed from Middle French pretensse, from Late Latin praetēnsus, past participle of Latin praetendō (“to pretend”), from prae- (“before”) + tendō (“to stretch”); see pretend.
Questions People Ask About Pretense
What part of speech is pretense?
Pretense is a noun.
What is another word for pretense?
You can replace pretense with words such as pretence, pretension and feigning. See the full list of pretense synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of pretense?
The plural of pretense is pretenses.