pretense Definition
- 1an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true
- 2a false display of feelings, attitudes, or intentions
- 3a claim, especially a false or ambitious one
Using pretense: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pretense" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He made a pretense of being busy when I entered his office.
Example
She put on a pretense of happiness, but I could tell she was upset.
Example
The company's pretense of concern for the environment was exposed as a sham.
pretense Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with pretense
Example
He went to the party under the pretense of meeting new people, but really he just wanted to see his ex-girlfriend.
Example
It's time to drop the pretense and be honest about your feelings.
keep up appearances
to maintain a certain image or reputation, even if it is not genuine
Example
She continued to keep up appearances even though her marriage was falling apart.
Origins of pretense
from Old French 'pretensse', from Latin 'praetensus', meaning 'stretch forth'
Summary: pretense in Brief
Pretense [pri-tens] refers to an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true. It can also mean a false display of feelings, attitudes, or intentions, or a claim, especially a false or ambitious one. Examples include 'He made a pretense of being busy when I entered his office,' and 'The company's pretense of concern for the environment was exposed as a sham.' Phrases like 'under the pretense of' and 'drop the pretense' are common. 'Keep up appearances' is another phrase that means to maintain a certain image or reputation, even if it is not genuine.
