Make-believe: meaning, definitions and examples

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make-believe

 

[ ˈmeɪk bɪˈliːv ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

imagination

A form of play or storytelling in which the participants act out roles and scenarios that are not real, often involving elaborate costumes and props. Make-believe allows individuals to explore different identities, experiences, and emotions in a safe and creative way.

Synonyms

fantasy, imagination, pretend

Examples of usage

  • Children often engage in make-believe games where they pretend to be superheroes or princesses.
  • In the world of make-believe, anything is possible and the only limit is one's imagination.
Context #2 | Adjective

pretend

Used to describe something that is not real or genuine, but is presented as if it were. Make-believe scenarios can be found in movies, books, and theater, where the audience willingly suspends disbelief to immerse themselves in the story.

Synonyms

fictional, imaginary, pretend

Examples of usage

  • The make-believe world of the movie was filled with magical creatures and fantastical landscapes.
  • She wore a make-believe crown and pretended to be the queen for the day.

Translations

Translations of the word "make-believe" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fingir

🇮🇳 बनावटी

🇩🇪 Vortäuschung

🇮🇩 berpura-pura

🇺🇦 вдавати

🇵🇱 udawanie

🇯🇵 作り話

🇫🇷 faire semblant

🇪🇸 fingir

🇹🇷 yapmacık

🇰🇷 가짜

🇸🇦 تظاهر

🇨🇿 předstírat

🇸🇰 predstierať

🇨🇳 假装

🇸🇮 pretvarjati se

🇮🇸 falskur

🇰🇿 жалған

🇬🇪 მაყურებელი

🇦🇿 sahte

🇲🇽 fingir

Etymology

The term 'make-believe' originated in the 17th century from the combination of 'make' and 'believe', indicating the act of pretending or imagining something that is not real. It has been used in literature, theater, and everyday language to describe the playful and imaginative aspects of human creativity.