pretend
[ pri-tend ]
/ prɪˈtɛnd /
verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
adjective
Informal.
make-believe; simulated; counterfeit: pretend diamonds.
Origin of pretend
SYNONYMS FOR pretend
1
simulate,
fake,
sham,
counterfeit.
Pretend,
affect,
assume,
feign imply an attempt to create a false appearance.
To pretend is to create an imaginary characteristic or to play a part:
to pretend sorrow.
To affect is to make a consciously artificial show of having qualities that one thinks would look well and impress others:
to affect shyness.
To assume is to take on or put on a specific outward appearance, often (but not always) with intent to deceive:
to assume an air of indifference.
To feign implies using ingenuity in pretense, and some degree of imitation of appearance or characteristics:
to feign surprise.
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH pretend
portend pretend (see synonym study at the current entry)Words nearby pretend
pretarsal,
pretarsus,
pretax,
preteen,
pretence,
pretend,
pretended,
pretender,
pretense,
pretension,
pretensive
Example sentences from the Web for pretend
British Dictionary definitions for pretend
pretend
/ (prɪˈtɛnd) /
verb
(when tr, usually takes a clause as object or an infinitive)
to claim or allege (something untrue)
(tr; may take a clause as object or an infinitive)
to make believe, as in a play
you pretend to be Ophelia
(intr foll by to)
to present a claim, esp a dubious one
to pretend to the throne
(intr foll by to) obsolete
to aspire as a candidate or suitor (for)
adjective
fanciful; make-believe; simulated
a pretend gun
Word Origin for pretend
C14: from Latin
praetendere to stretch forth, feign, from
prae in front +
tendere to stretch