pretension

1
[ pri-ten-shuh n ]
/ prɪˈtɛn ʃən /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR pretension ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

Origin of pretension

1
First recorded in 1590–1600, pretension is from the Medieval Latin word praetēnsiōn- (stem of praetēnsiō). See pretense, -ion

Words nearby pretension

pretence, pretend, pretended, pretender, pretense, pretension, pretensive, pretentious, preter-, preterhuman, preterist

Definition for pretension (2 of 2)

pretension 2
[ pree-ten-shuh n ]
/ priˈtɛn ʃən /

verb (used with object)

(in prestressed-concrete construction) to apply tension to (reinforcing strands) before the concrete is poured. Compare posttension(def 1).
to make (a concrete member) with pretensioned reinforcement.

Origin of pretension

2
First recorded in 1935–40; pre- + tension

Words related to pretension

conceit, hypocrisy, snobbery, pomposity, aspiration, pretense, ambition, vainglory, show, fake, phony, ostentation, disguise, pretentiousness, splash, affectation, front, put-on, charade, vanity

Example sentences from the Web for pretension

British Dictionary definitions for pretension

pretension
/ (prɪˈtɛnʃən) /

noun

(often plural) a false or unsupportable claim, esp to merit, worth, or importance
a specious or unfounded allegation; pretext
the state or quality of being pretentious