Pretend: meaning, definitions and examples

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pretend

[ prɪˈtɛnd ]

^{Context #1}

behavior

To behave as if something is the case when it is not.

Synonyms

act, feign, simulate

Examples of usage

She pretended to be interested in his stories.
He pretended not to notice her disappointment.
Don't pretend that you don't care.

^{Context #2}

imitation

To make believe; to make a false display of.

Synonyms

play-act, pose, sham

Examples of usage

The children pretended to be superheroes.
She pretended to be a doctor while playing with her toys.

^{Context #3}

acting

An attempt to make something that is not the case appear true.

Synonyms

act, make-believe, pretense

Examples of usage

His smile was just a pretend to hide his sadness.
She saw through his pretend of being happy.

Translations

Translations of the word "pretend" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fingir

🇮🇳 दिखावा करना

🇩🇪 vortäuschen

🇮🇩 berpura-pura

🇺🇦 прикидатися

🇵🇱 udawać

🇯🇵 ふりをする

🇫🇷 faire semblant

🇪🇸 fingir

🇹🇷 numara yapmak

🇰🇷 척하다

🇸🇦 تظاهر

🇨🇿 předstírat

🇸🇰 predstierať

🇨🇳 假装

🇸🇮 pretvarjati se

🇮🇸 þykjast

🇰🇿 жалған айту

🇬🇪 თავის მოჩვენება

🇦🇿 təlxlik etmək

🇲🇽 fingir

Word origin

The word 'pretend' originated from the Latin word 'praetendere', which means 'to extend in front'. Over the years, the meaning evolved to include the idea of making something false appear true. The use of 'pretend' in English dates back to the late 14th century.