# pretense

/pɹiˈtɛns/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pretense
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. false appearance

noun · CEFR B2

a way of behaving that hides your real feelings or the truth.

For teachers: the act of pretending or a false representation intended to deceive or to hide one's true nature.

- She kept up a pretense of being happy even though she was very sad.
- The meeting was held under the pretense of a social gathering, though everyone knew the real purpose was to discuss the merger.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'under the pretense of'.

### 2. a false claim

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a claim to have a certain skill or quality that you do not actually have.

For teachers: a claim made or implied, especially one that is not supported by fact.

- The prince had no real pretense to the throne after the revolution.
- The document was a complete fabrication, created solely to support his pretense to the family estate.

Usage: Often used regarding legal or historical claims to power.

### 3. showing off

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

behavior that is intended to impress people by acting more important than you are.

For teachers: affectation or ostentation of manner; a lack of naturalness or sincerity in one's behavior.

- I liked the small restaurant because it was simple and had no pretense.
- The artist's work was refreshing for its lack of academic pretense, focusing instead on raw emotional impact.

## Examples

- She made a pretense of being interested in his story.
- The two rivals maintained a pretense of friendship for the sake of the project, though they rarely spoke in private.
- The regime eventually dropped all pretense of democratic process, openly suppressing the opposition and ignoring the results of the recent local elections.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.