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pretense

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

(noun)

An example of a pretense is when you pretend to be friends with someone you don't like.
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

a claim, esp. an unsupported one, as to some distinction or accomplishment; pretension
a false claim or profession
a false show of something
a pretending, as at play; make-believe
a false reason or plea; pretext
Rare aim; intention
pretentiousness; ostentation
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

The act of pretending; a false appearance or action intended to deceive.
A false or studied show; an affectation: a pretense of nonchalance.
A professed but feigned reason or excuse; a pretext: under false pretenses.
Something imagined or pretended.
Mere show without reality; outward appearance.
A right asserted with or without foundation; a claim. See Synonyms at claim.
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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