make-believe

American  

[meyk-bi-leev] / ˈmeɪk bɪˌliv /

noun

1. pretense, especially of an innocent or playful kind; playacting; fantasy.

   the make-believe of children playing.

2. a pretender; a person who pretends.

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adjective

1. pretended; feigned; imaginary; made-up; unreal.

   a make-believe world of fantasy.

make believe British  

verb

1. to pretend or enact a fantasy

   the children made believe they were doctors

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noun

1. 1. a fantasy, pretence, or unreality

   2. ( as modifier )

      a make-believe world

2. a person who pretends

make believe Idioms  

1. Pretend, as in Let's make believe we're elves. This expression in effect means making oneself believe in an illusion. [Early 1700s]

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Etymology

Origin of make-believe

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

Though only about seven minutes, each core “Bluey” episode unfolds patiently, often centered on make-believe, wonder and childlike ingenuity.

From Los Angeles Times

I understood from the start that acting was make-believe and that it put food on the table and shoes on our feet.

From The Wall Street Journal

Watching rehearsals, I felt as though I were observing a rigorous version of children’s make-believe.

From Los Angeles Times

Villarreal: Before we get into the film, I know you and Dakota spent a lot of time in your younger years playing make-believe.

From Los Angeles Times

We don’t need any make-believe substances to catch his drift, particularly his belief that, even if music may not change the world, at least it can provide some much-needed comfort from it.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fictional
• imaginary
• simulated