What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
feign
Example
She feigned interest in his story even though she was bored. [feigned: past tense]
Example
He feigned a headache to avoid going to work. [feigning: gerund or present participle]
pretend
Example
The children pretended to be pirates on their imaginary ship. [pretended: past tense]
Example
She pretended to be happy even though she was upset. [pretending: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pretend is more commonly used than feign in everyday language, and covers a wider range of scenarios.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between feign and pretend?
Feign is typically associated with a more formal tone, while pretend can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
