pretends
word · lemma: pretend
/pɹiˈtɛndz/
/pɹɪtˈɛndz/
Definition
Acts as if something is true or real, when it is not. Often used for make-believe, lies, or playing roles.
Usage & Nuances
Usually informal. Often followed by 'to' + verb (e.g., 'pretends to be sick'). Used for both playful situations (children) and deceptive ones. Not the same as 'intend' or 'attend'.
Spanish: fingePortuguese (BR): fingePortuguese (PT): fingeChinese (Simplified): 假装Chinese (Traditional): 假裝Hindi: दिखावा करता है - बहाना करता हैArabic: يتظاهرBengali: ভান করে - অভিনয় করেRussian: притворяетсяJapanese: ふりをするVietnamese: giả vờKorean: 척한다Turkish: yapar gibi davranır - numara yaparUrdu: ظاہر کرتا ہے - بہانہ کرتا ہےIndonesian: berpura-pura
Example Sentences
She pretends to be a doctor when playing with her toys.
basic
If he pretends he doesn't care, he's lying.
basic
My brother often pretends to be a superhero.
basic
She always pretends she didn't hear me when I call.
natural
He pretends to know everything, but he actually doesn’t.
natural
Everyone knows she just pretends to like him to be polite.
natural