adj.
Pronunciation: pri- ' ten(t)-sh ə s
Function: adjective
Etymology: French prétentieux, from prétention pretension, from Medieval Latin pretention-, pretentio, from Latin praetendere
Date: 1832
1 : characterized by pretension: as a : making usually unjustified or excessive claims (as of value or standing) <the pretentious fraud who assumes a love of culture that is alien to him ― Richard Watts> b : expressive of affected, unwarranted, or exaggerated importance, worth, or stature < pretentious language> < pretentious houses>
2 : making demands on one's skill, ability, or means : AMBITIOUS <the pretentious daring of the Green Mountain Boys in crossing the lake ― American Guide Series: Vt. >
synonyms see SHOWY
– pre · ten · tious · ly adverb
– pre · ten · tious · ness noun