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

But for now, he has embraced the broader, freer canvas of make-believe.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s an invitation to all of us: To put on our colanders, take up our kitchen implements and give ourselves over to make-believe.

From New York Times

Life downtown is navigating the dystopian and the make-believe, the frivolous and the consequential.

From Los Angeles Times

“The economic problems facing the nation are so severe, and we’re going to talk make-believe about ‘building new cities’?”

From Washington Post

In the Hollywood world of make-believe all that glitters is not gold.

From BBC

Related Words

• fictional
• imaginary
• simulated