— pretentiously , adv. — pretentiousness , n.
/pri ten"sheuhs/ , adj.
1. full of pretense or pretension.
2. characterized by assumption of dignity or importance.
3. making an exaggerated outward show; ostentatious.
[ 1835-45; earlier pretensious. See PRETENSE, -IOUS ]
Syn. 2. pompous. See bombastic. 3. showy. See grandiose .