pretentious

[pri-ten-shuhs]

adjective

1. characterized by assumption of dignity or importance, especially when exaggerated or undeserved.

   a pretentious, self-important waiter.

   Synonyms: pompous

2. making an exaggerated outward show; ostentatious.

   Synonyms: showy

3. full of pretense or pretension; having no factual basis; false.

pretentious

/ prɪˈtɛnʃəs /

adjective

1. making claim to distinction or importance, esp undeservedly

2. having or creating a deceptive outer appearance of great worth; ostentatious

Other Word Forms

• pretentiously adverb
• pretentiousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pretentious¹

First recorded in 1835–45; earlier pretensious; equivalent to pretense + -ious

Synonym Study

See bombastic. See grandiose.

Related Words

• arty 
• exaggerated 
• grandiose 
• hollow 
• overblown 
• pompous 
• showy 
• stilted 
• turgid