Dictionary.com

pretension

1
[ pri-ten-shuhn ]
/ prɪˈtɛn ʃən /
See synonyms for pretension on Thesaurus.com

noun

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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)

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

2
First recorded in 1935–40; pre- + tension
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Words related to pretension

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

Example sentences 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