pretentious

[ pri-ten-shuhs ]
/ prɪˈtɛn ʃəs /

adjective

characterized by assumption of dignity or importance, especially when exaggerated or undeserved: a pretentious, self-important waiter.
making an exaggerated outward show; ostentatious.
full of pretense or pretension; having no factual basis; false.

Origin of pretentious

1835–45; earlier pretensious. See pretense, -ious

synonym study for pretentious

1. See bombastic. 2. See grandiose.

OTHER WORDS FROM pretentious

pre·ten·tious·ly, adverb pre·ten·tious·ness, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH pretentious

portentous pretentious

Example sentences from the Web for pretentiousness

British Dictionary definitions for pretentiousness

pretentious
/ (prɪˈtɛnʃəs) /

adjective

making claim to distinction or importance, esp undeservedly
having or creating a deceptive outer appearance of great worth; ostentatious

Derived forms of pretentious

pretentiously, adverb pretentiousness, noun