Definitions
- Describing someone who tries to appear more important or knowledgeable than they really are. - Referring to behavior that is intended to impress others with one's status or abilities. - Talking about something that is done in an attempt to seem more sophisticated or cultured than one really is.
- Describing someone who shows off their wealth or possessions in a flashy or showy way. - Referring to behavior that is intended to impress others with one's wealth or status. - Talking about something that is done in an attempt to seem more impressive or grandiose than one really is.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe behavior that is intended to impress others.
- 2Both words can be used to describe people who are trying to appear more important than they really are.
- 3Both words have negative connotations.
- 4Both words can be used to describe actions that are unnecessary or excessive.
What is the difference?
- 1Focus: Pretensional emphasizes behavior that is intended to appear more sophisticated or cultured, while ostentatious emphasizes behavior that is intended to show off wealth or possessions.
- 2Intensity: Ostentatious is more extreme and flashy than pretensional.
- 3Motivation: Pretensional behavior may stem from insecurity or a desire to fit in, while ostentatious behavior may stem from a desire to flaunt wealth or status.
- 4Scope: Pretensional can refer to a wide range of behaviors, while ostentatious is more specific to displays of wealth or possessions.
- 5Usage: Pretensional is less common than ostentatious in everyday language.
Remember this!
Pretensional and ostentatious are both negative words that describe behavior intended to impress others. However, pretensional emphasizes behavior that is intended to appear more sophisticated or cultured, while ostentatious emphasizes behavior that is intended to show off wealth or possessions. Ostentatious is more extreme and flashy than pretensional, and it is more commonly used in everyday language.
