pretend
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
I can't pretend to care about that drama anymore.
natural
He likes to pretend he's too busy, but he's just avoiding us.
natural
Let's pretend this awkward conversation never happened.
natural