n.
Variant: or pre · tence
Pronunciation: ' pr ē - ˌ ten(t)s, pri- '
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, probably modification of Medieval Latin pretensio, irregular from Latin praetendere
Date: 15th century
1 : a claim made or implied especially : one not supported by fact
2 a : mere ostentation : PRETENTIOUSNESS <confuse dignity with pomposity and pretense ― Bennett Cerf> b : a pretentious act or assertion
3 : an inadequate or insincere attempt to attain a certain condition or quality
4 : professed rather than real intention or purpose : PRETEXT <was there under false pretense s >
5 : MAKE-BELIEVE , FICTION
6 : false show : SIMULATION <saw through his pretense of indifference>