pretentious
- characterized by assumption of dignity or importance, especially when exaggerated or undeserved: a pretentious, self-important waiter.
- making an exaggerated outward show; ostentatious.
- full of pretense or pretension; having no factual basis; false.
Origin of pretentious
Synonyms for pretentious
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Related Words for pretentiousness
grandiosity, ostentation, pretension, pomposity, arrogance, egotism, vanity, cockiness, smugness, immodesty, grandiosenessExamples from the Web for pretentiousness
Contemporary Examples of pretentiousness
House, M.D., was a series from the get go, so no worries about pretentiousness.
The infamous cable about the pretentiousness, quirks, and unpredictability of Muammar Gaddafi is but one example.
Historical Examples of pretentiousness
The novelty of the thing, and the pretentiousness in which he had swaddled it, had deceived them finely.
ScaramoucheRafael Sabatini
I can see none of that pretentiousness that Edith Bryce led us to expect.'
Lover or FriendRosa Nouchette Carey
I am no politician, nor given to tricks nor to pretentiousness.
Letters and Literary Memorials of Samuel J. Tilden, v. 2Samuel J. Tilden
Anecdotes were told of his self-assurance, his vanity, his pretentiousness.
Mount Royal, Volume 3 of 3Mary Elizabeth Braddon
Nevertheless he regarded it as essentially absurd in its pretentiousness.
The Price of LoveArnold Bennett
pretentious
- making claim to distinction or importance, esp undeservedly
- having or creating a deceptive outer appearance of great worth; ostentatious
Word Origin and History for pretentiousness
pretentious
1836, from French prétentieux (17c.), from prétention "pretension," from Medieval Latin pretentionem (nominative pretentio) "pretension," noun of action from past participle stem of Latin praetendere (see pretend (v.)).