Pretense
/prɪˈtɛns/
Definitions
2 meaningsA false claim or show.
/prɪˈtɛns/
A false appearance or action intended to deceive.
His cheerful demeanor was merely a pretense to hide his sadness.
💡 Simply: It's like when you're trying to trick someone by acting like something you're not. Like, if you pretend to be happy when you're really sad, that's a pretense. It's all about faking it!
👶 For kids: Pretense means pretending to be something you're not.
More Examples
The company's public commitment to environmental responsibility was largely a pretense.
She dropped the pretense of indifference when she saw him.
How It's Used
"She maintained a pretense of composure despite her inner turmoil."
"The play explores the pretense of power and the consequences of deceit."
A claim made or implied.
/prɪˈtɛns/
A claim or assertion of a right or title.
The rebels attacked the city under the pretense of liberating the people.
💡 Simply: It's a reason someone gives for doing something, which might not be the real reason. Like, if someone says they're visiting a friend 'just to chat', but they really want to borrow money – that's a pretense.
👶 For kids: Pretense can mean a reason you give to do something.
More Examples
He used the pretense of a business trip to escape his problems.
The company's acquisition was justified under the pretense of market expansion.
How It's Used
"The land was seized under the pretense of eminent domain."
"The invasion was launched under the pretense of protecting national security."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
under false pretenses
Using a lie or deception to get something or to do something.
"He gained access to the secret documents under false pretenses."
make no pretense
To not try to hide something; to be open about something.
"He made no pretense of understanding the complex topic."
From Middle French *prétention*, from Latin *praetendere* 'to stretch forth, allege'.
The word pretense has been used since the 14th century, initially borrowed from Old French.
Memory tip
Think of a 'pre-tend', it's a show that isn't real.
Word Origin
"to stretch forth, allege"