pretense

The definition of a pretense is a false impression, a false claim or an attempt to make a falsehood appear true.

(noun)

  1. An example of a pretense is when you pretend to be friends with someone you don't like.
  2. An example of a pretense is when you claim to be an expert in something you aren't.

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See pretense in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

  1. a claim, esp. an unsupported one, as to some distinction or accomplishment; pretension
  2. a false claim or profession
  3. a false show of something
  4. a pretending, as at play; make-believe
  5. a false reason or plea; pretext
  6. Rare aim; intention
  7. pretentiousness; ostentation
  8. a pretentious act or remark

Origin: ME < Anglo-Fr pretensse < ML *pretensa < praetensus, alleged < pp. of L praetendere: see pretend

See pretense in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. The act of pretending; a false appearance or action intended to deceive.
  2. A false or studied show; an affectation: a pretense of nonchalance.
  3. A professed but feigned reason or excuse; a pretext: under false pretenses.
  4. Something imagined or pretended.
  5. Mere show without reality; outward appearance.
  6. A right asserted with or without foundation; a claim. See Synonyms at claim.
  7. The quality or state of being pretentious; ostentation.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French pretensse

Origin: , from Medieval Latin *praetēnsa

Origin: , from Late Latin

Origin: , feminine of praetēnsus

Origin: , alteration of Latin praetentus

Origin: , past participle of praetendere, to pretend, assert; see pretend

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