Pretended
[prɪˈtendɪd]
Definitions
2 meaningsTo act or behave as if something is true when it is not; to simulate.
[prɪˈtendɪd]
To behave so as to make it appear that something is the case when in reality it is not.
The child pretended to be a dinosaur and roared at his friends.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing make-believe. When you *pretend*, you're acting like something is happening that isn't really. Like when you pretend to be a doctor or pretend to be a wizard.
👶 For kids: To act like something is real, even if it's not.
More Examples
She pretended to be interested in his story, though she was bored.
He pretended to be sick so he could stay home from school.
How It's Used
"She pretended to be asleep."
"He pretended to like the gift, even though he didn't."
To assert or claim, especially without justification; to lay claim to something.
[prɪˈtendɪd]
To lay claim to.
He pretended to the title of king.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, *pretend* can also mean claiming something you aren't really entitled to. Like when someone says they're the best at something when they aren't.
👶 For kids: To say that something is yours, even if it isn't.
More Examples
She pretended to have special knowledge.
How It's Used
"He pretended to the throne."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
pretend to be
To act as if one is someone or something else.
"She pretended to be a doctor in the game."
pretend that
To act as if a situation is the case.
"Let's pretend that it's summer even though it's freezing outside."
From Middle English *pretenden*, from Old French *pretendre* ('to claim, intend'), from Latin *praetendere* ('to stretch forth, hold out'), from *prae-* ('before') + *tendere* ('to stretch').
The word 'pretend' has been used since the 13th century, initially meaning 'to claim or aspire'. Its modern meaning evolved from the idea of putting forward a claim to simulate a situation.
Memory tip
Think of a *pretend* game: you *pretend* to be a superhero, which is not real.