pretense
[ pri-tens, pree-tens ]
/ prɪˈtɛns, ˈpri tɛns /
Save This Word!
noun
SYNONYMS FOR pretense
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!
In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”
Question 1 of 7
The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
Also British, pre·tence .
Origin of pretense
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Anglo-French, from unattested Medieval Latin praetēnsa, noun use of feminine of praetēnsus, past participle (replacing Latin praetentus ) of praetendere “to put forward, stretch forth, pretend”; see origin at pretend
OTHER WORDS FROM pretense
pre·tense·ful, adjectivepre·tense·less, adjectiveWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH pretense
pretense , pretextWords nearby pretense
preteen, pretence, pretend, pretended, pretender, pretense, pretension, pretensive, pretentious, preter-, preterhuman
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for pretense
“Have” vs. “Has”: When To Use Each One
“Affect” vs. “Effect”: Use The Correct Word Every Time
What Is The Difference Between “It’s” And “Its”?
“Effectiveness” vs. “Efficacy” vs. “Efficiency”: When To Use Each Word For The Best Results
What Is “GOP” Short For?
“Vaccinate” vs. “Inoculate” vs. “Immunize”: What Are The Differences?