PRETENSE


Meaning of PRETENSE in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ noun ]

or pre·tence ˈprē-ˌten(t)s, pri-ˈ

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

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.