PRETENTIOUS


Meaning of PRETENTIOUS in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ pri-ˈten(t)-shəs ]

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: Vermont

Synonyms: see showy

• pre·ten·tious·ly adverb

• pre·ten·tious·ness noun

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