Pretend Meaning in English
word
/pɹiˈtɛnd/
pri-TEND
/pɹɪtˈɛnd/
pri-TEND
Definition
To act as if something is true when it is not, often for fun, to imagine a situation, or to deceive someone. It can also mean to claim something that is not really true.
Usage & Nuances
Common patterns are 'pretend to + verb' and 'pretend that + clause'. Often used for children's imagination ('pretend to be a doctor'), but also for dishonest behavior ('pretend to care'). Don't confuse it with 'intend', which is about plans.
Spanish: fingir - simularPortuguese (BR): fingir - fazer de contaPortuguese (PT): fingir - fazer de contaChinese (Simplified): 假装 - 装作Chinese (Traditional): 假裝 - 裝作Hindi: दिखावा करना - बहाना करनाArabic: يتظاهر - يدّعيBengali: ভান করা - অভিনয় করাRussian: притворяться - делать видJapanese: ふりをするVietnamese: giả vờ - làm nhưKorean: 척하다 - 가장하다Turkish: numara yapmak - gibi davranmakUrdu: وانگ کرنا - بہانہ کرناIndonesian: berpura-pura
Example Sentences
The children pretend they are pirates.
basic
She pretended to be asleep.
basic
Don't pretend you don't know me.
basic
He likes to pretend he's too busy, but he's just avoiding us.
natural
Let's pretend this awkward conversation never happened.
natural
I can't pretend to care about that drama anymore.
natural