pretension

[ pri-ten-shuhn ]

/ prɪˈtɛn ʃən /

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See synonyms for: pretension / pretensions on Thesaurus.com

noun

the laying of a claim to something.

a claim or title to something.

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.

a claim to dignity, importance, or merit.

pretentiousness.

the act of pretending or alleging.

an allegation of doubtful veracity.

a pretext.

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Origin of pretension

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

Other definitions for pretension (2 of 2)

pretension²

[ pree-ten-shuhn ]

/ 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

First recorded in 1935–40; pre- + tension

How to use pretension in a sentence

“People need to get over their pretensions and embrace the Upper East Side,” says Mark Dorosz.
Why the Upper East Side Is Now Cooler Than Brooklyn|Tom Teodorczuk|September 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They were remarkable affairs, not in the scale of their pretensions, but in their all-inclusive nature.
Doug Kenney: The Odd Comic Genius Behind ‘Animal House’ and National Lampoon|Robert Sam Anson|March 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In his memoir, Belfort describes Danny Porush (the real Azoff) as a Jewish Long Islander with WASP pretensions.
Finally! ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ Is Hollywood’s First 1990s Period Piece|Andrew Romano|December 23, 2013|DAILY BEAST
So much public sculpture comes off as oversized and overblown – as plop art, with pretensions to grandeur and greatness.
Honey, I Shrunk The Sculptures|Blake Gopnik|September 4, 2012|DAILY BEAST

The O contained a whimsical smiley face, a wry, self-deprecating wink at the pretensions of power.
Paul Begala Asks Bill Clinton and Madeleine Albright About Vaclav Havel|Paul Begala|December 20, 2011|DAILY BEAST
At such a moment neither party would affect to forget the Bruce's royal pretensions.
King Robert the Bruce|A. F. Murison
And yet at this dilapidated old inn there were a number of guests who made great pretensions at style.
British Highways And Byways From A Motor Car|Thomas D. Murphy
Seymour, exasperated by finding that no party was inclined to support his pretensions, spoke with extravagant violence.
The History of England from the Accession of James II.|Thomas Babington Macaulay
If he had let persons alone, and had not ridiculed their opinions and pretensions, they would probably have let him alone.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume I|John Lord
I say, that unluckily there exists in France a law they call the Salic law, which destroys all our pretensions.
Chicot the Jester|Alexandre Dumas, Pere

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

pretension

Origin of pretension

Other definitions for pretension (2 of 2)

Origin of pretension

Words related to pretension

How to use pretension in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for pretension