Pretences Meaning in English
word · lemma: pretence
释义
Things that are not true but are made to appear so; false appearances or acts used to deceive or hide the truth.
用法与细微差别
More common in British than American English; usually plural and formal. Used to describe fake reasons, false appearances, or insincere behavior meant to deceive. Common phrases: 'without pretences', 'drop all pretences', 'social pretences'. Not to be confused with 'pretense' (US spelling, but typically singular).
例句
He spoke honestly, without any pretences.
basic
She dropped all pretences and told the truth.
basic
There is no need for pretences here.
basic
After a while, their pretences started to crack and people saw their real intentions.
natural
Let's drop all pretences and be honest about how we feel.
natural
He hid behind elaborate pretences, but nobody believed his story.
natural