definitions
  • synonyms

pretension

1
[ pri-ten-shuh n ]
/ prɪˈtɛn ʃən /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR pretension ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

RELATED WORDS

conceit, hypocrisy, snobbery, pomposity, aspiration, pretense, ambition, vainglory, show, fake, phony, ostentation, disguise, pretentiousness, splash, affectation, front, put-on, charade, vanity

Nearby words

pretence, pretend, pretended, pretender, pretense, pretension, pretensive, pretentious, preter-, preterhuman, preterist

Origin of pretension

1
First recorded in 1590–1600, pretension is from the Medieval Latin word praetēnsiōn- (stem of praetēnsiō). See pretense, -ion

Definition for pretension (2 of 2)

pretension

2
[ pree-ten-shuh n ]
/ priˈtɛn ʃən /

verb (used with object)

(in prestressed-concrete construction) to apply tension to (reinforcing strands) before the concrete is poured.Compare posttension(def 1).
to make (a concrete member) with pretensioned reinforcement.

Origin of pretension

2
First recorded in 1935–40; pre- + tension
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for pretension

British Dictionary definitions for pretension

pretension

/ (prɪˈtɛnʃən) /

noun

(often plural) a false or unsupportable claim, esp to merit, worth, or importance
a specious or unfounded allegation; pretext
the state or quality of being pretentious
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for pretension

pretension

n.

mid-15c., "assertion, allegation; objection; intention; signification," from Medieval Latin pretensionem (nominative praetensio), noun of action from past participle stem of Latin praetendere "stretch in front, put forward, allege" (see pretend (v.)). Meaning "unproven claim" is from c.1600. Sense of "ostentation" is from 1727.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper