Pretend: meaning, definitions and examples
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pretend
[ prɪˈtɛnd ]
behavior
To behave as if something is the case when it is not.
Synonyms
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.
imitation
To make believe; to make a false display of.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The children pretended to be superheroes.
- She pretended to be a doctor while playing with her toys.
acting
An attempt to make something that is not the case appear true.
Synonyms
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.
See also: pretended, pretender, pretenders, pretending, pretension, pretentious.