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pretend
[ pri-tend ]
/ prÉȘËtÉnd /
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Definition of pretend
verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
adjective
Informal. make-believe; simulated; counterfeit: pretend diamonds.
OTHER WORDS FOR pretend
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Origin of pretend
synonym study for pretend
1. Pretend, affect, assume, feign imply an attempt to create a false appearance. To pretend is to create an imaginary characteristic or to play a part: to pretend sorrow. To affect is to make a consciously artificial show of having qualities that one thinks would look well and impress others: to affect shyness. To assume is to take on or put on a specific outward appearance, often (but not always) with intent to deceive: to assume an air of indifference. To feign implies using ingenuity in pretense, and some degree of imitation of appearance or characteristics: to feign surprise.
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH pretend
portend, pretendWords nearby pretend
prĂȘt-Ă -porter, pretarsus, pretax, preteen, pretence, pretend, pretended, pretender, pretense, pretension, pretensive
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use pretend in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for pretend
pretend
/ (prÉȘËtÉnd) /
verb
(when tr, usually takes a clause as object or an infinitive) to claim or allege (something untrue)
(tr; may take a clause as object or an infinitive) to make believe, as in a playyou pretend to be Ophelia
(intr foll by to) to present a claim, esp a dubious oneto pretend to the throne
(intr foll by to) obsolete to aspire as a candidate or suitor (for)
adjective
fanciful; make-believe; simulateda pretend gun
Word Origin for pretend
C14: from Latin praetendere to stretch forth, feign, from prae in front + tendere to stretch
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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