pretend
[ pri-tend ]
/ prɪˈtɛnd /
verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
adjective
Informal. make-believe; simulated; counterfeit: pretend diamonds.
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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
pretarsal, pretarsus, pretax, preteen, pretence, pretend, pretended, pretender, pretense, pretension, pretensive
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for pretend
British Dictionary definitions for pretend
pretend
/ (prɪˈtɛnd) /
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
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