pretend
verb (used with object)
to cause or attempt to cause (what is not so) to seem so.
had been pretending
-
past perfect progressiveof pretend.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In March, the authorities said a 29-year-old woman had been pretending to be a teenager at New Brunswick High in New Jersey, in a case that captured the attention of millions of people online.
From New York Times ● Jun. 29, 2023
That definitely was the first time I felt like I was able to bring my whole authentic self to the table in a way that I had been pretending to do as an actor.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 15, 2023
"We had been pretending as if they did not exist."
From BBC ● Mar. 30, 2016
But under cross-examination by Stephen Linehan QC, Mr Krezolek denied he had been "pretending" during his evidence on Tuesday.
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2013
They had been pretending not to know each other on the tour for laughs.
From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz
