pretension

¹ American  

[pri-ten-shuhn] / prɪˈtɛn ʃən /

noun

1. the laying of a claim to something.

   Synonyms:

   profession, assertion

2. a claim or title to something.

3. Often pretensions a claim made, especially indirectly or by implication, to some quality, merit, or the like.

   They laughed at my pretensions to superior judgment.

4. a claim to dignity, importance, or merit.

5. pretentiousness.

   Synonyms:

   pretense, airs, affectation

6. the act of pretending or alleging.

7. an allegation of doubtful veracity.

8. a pretext.

   Synonyms:

   excuse

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pretension ² American  

[pree-ten-shuhn] / priˈtɛn ʃən /

verb (used with object)

1. (in prestressed-concrete construction) to apply tension to (reinforcing strands) before the concrete is poured; prestress.

2. to make (a concrete member) with pretensioned reinforcement.

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pretension British  

/ prɪˈtɛnʃən /

noun

1. (often plural) a false or unsupportable claim, esp to merit, worth, or importance

2. a specious or unfounded allegation; pretext

3. the state or quality of being pretentious

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Etymology

Origin of pretension¹

First recorded in 1400–50; from Medieval Latin praetēnsiōn- (stem of praetēnsiō ); pretense, -ion

Origin of pretension²

First recorded in 1935–40; pre- + tension

Example Sentences

The movie became a reference by which the absurdities of real-life rock ’n’ roll pretension would forever be measured.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 15, 2025

Any pretension exhibited was earned with the grace of a batted eyelash and a knowing smirk.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2025

The scene was very close-knit, and they didn’t have any pretension of getting signed to a major label or anything.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2025

There was a baby-knit culotte and matching polo with Gucci stripe detailing, worn without pretension.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 22, 2023

It’s a city that prides itself on its open-mindedness, its lack of pretension, and its homegrown slang.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater

Related Words

• conceit
• hypocrisy
• pomposity
• snobbery