Pretend to Meaning in English
expression
pɹiˈtɛnd/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ
pri-TEND tuh, TOO, ti
pɹɪtˈɛnd/ /tˈuː
pri-TEND TOO
Definition
To act or speak as if something is true when it is not, often to make others believe it or for fun.
Usage & Nuances
Typical structure: 'pretend to' + verb ('pretend to sleep'). Common in both serious and playful contexts. Not the same as 'imagine' (which is about thinking), or 'lie' (which is stronger and implies intention to deceive). Often used with children or in stories.
Spanish: fingir quePortuguese (BR): fingir quePortuguese (PT): fingir queChinese (Simplified): 假装要 - 佯装Chinese (Traditional): 假裝要 - 佯裝Hindi: बहाना करना किArabic: يدّعي أنهBengali: ভান করা - অভিনয় করা (ছল করা)Russian: притворятьсяJapanese: ふりをするVietnamese: giả vờKorean: ~인 척하다 - ~하는 척하다Turkish: -mış gibi yapmakUrdu: ظاہر کرناIndonesian: berpura-pura
Example Sentences
The boy pretends to be a doctor when he plays.
basic
She likes to pretend to fly like a bird.
basic
They pretend to be asleep when their mom comes in.
basic
Don’t pretend to know the answer if you’re not sure.
natural
I used to pretend to be sick to skip school.
natural
He didn’t even pretend to listen during the meeting.
natural