Pretense Meaning in English
word
pɹiˈtɛns
pri-TENS
ˈpɹiːtɛns
PREE-tens
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
He made a pretense of being happy at the party.
basic
There was no pretense in her apology.
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