Pretense definition
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.
Left the room under the pretense of having to make a phone call.
So modest as to be free from any hint of pretense.
Models making a pretense of nonchalance.
Without pretense of accuracy.
Other Word Forms
Noun
Origin of pretense
- Middle English from Old French pretensse from Medieval Latin praetēnsa from Late Latin feminine of praetēnsus alteration of Latin praetentus past participle of praetendere to pretend, assert pretend
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- From Middle French pretensse, from Late Latin prætensus, past participle of prætendere (“to pretend"), from præ- (“before") + tendere (“to stretch"); see pretend.
From Wiktionary