pretense
word
Definition
A pretense is a way of behaving or speaking that is not true but is made to appear true, usually to hide the real situation or feelings.
Usage & Nuances
'Pretense' is formal and often used in negative contexts, implying deliberate insincerity. Common phrases: 'under the pretense of', 'make a pretense of'. Do not confuse with 'pretend' (the verb), and note 'pretense' often hints at deception for a specific purpose.
Spanish: fingimiento - pretensión (falsa apariencia)Portuguese (BR): fingimento - pretexto - aparência falsaPortuguese (PT): fingimento - pretexto - aparência falsaChinese (Simplified): 假装 - 借口Chinese (Traditional): 假裝 - 藉口Hindi: बहाना - दिखावाArabic: ادعاء - تظاهرBengali: ভান - ছলনাRussian: притворство - предлогJapanese: ふり - 偽りVietnamese: giả vờ - giả tạoKorean: 척 - 가장Turkish: numara - bahane - sahtecilikUrdu: ظاہر داری - بہانہIndonesian: pura-pura - dalih
Example Sentences
She spoke with a pretense of confidence.
basic
Their friendship was just a pretense to get closer to her.
natural
Under the pretense of helping, he actually made things worse.
natural
She dropped the pretense and told us the truth at last.
natural
He made a pretense of being happy at the party.
basic
There was no pretense in her apology.
basic