What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pretensive
Example
He was being pretensive when he tried to use big words he didn't understand. [pretensive: adjective]
Example
Her pretensive attitude made it difficult for others to trust her. [pretensive: noun]
showy
Example
The showy car caught everyone's attention with its bright colors and fancy features. [showy: adjective]
Example
His showy display of wealth made some people uncomfortable. [showy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Showy is more commonly used than pretensive in everyday language. Showy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pretensive is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pretensive and showy?
Both pretensive and showy are informal words, but pretensive may be considered more formal due to its less frequent usage and more specific meaning.
