How to Pronounce "pretence"
word
ˈpɹiːtɛns
PREE-tens
pɹɪtˈɛns
pri-TENS
Definition
Pretence is when someone acts as if something is true when it is not, usually to hide their real feelings or intentions. It’s an appearance or action that is not genuine.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈpɹiːtɛns
British English
pɹɪtˈɛns
Simplified Pronunciation
US
PREE-tens
UK
pri-TENS
Listen in Context
He made a pretence of being sick to avoid work.
Her smile was just a pretence; she was really sad.
They kept up the pretence that everything was fine.
Under the pretence of helping, he was actually making things worse.