Pretend: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this when someone is making believe or imagining something that is not real, often in a playful or harmless manner. It can also imply deception if used in a different context.

• The children pretended they were pirates
• She pretended to be sick to avoid going to school

This word is commonly used in the context of performing in a play, movie, or any situation that involves assuming a character. It can also mean behaving in a certain way to deceive or to fulfill a requirement.

• He acted in the school play
• She acted like she was surprised at the party

Use this word when someone is pretending something, often in a more formal or literary context. It usually implies intentional deception or insincerity.

• He feigned interest in the conversation
• She feigned illness to get out of the meeting

This word is often used in technical, scientific, or training contexts where creating a model or imitation of a real process or system is required.

• The flight simulator helps pilots train
• Scientists simulated the conditions of space in the lab

Pretend is commonly used when someone is making believe or acting as if something is true, often for fun or to deceive. It can be either positive or neutral, depending on the situation.

• Children love to pretend they are superheroes
• He pretended to be sick to avoid going to school

Play-act is similar to pretend, but it often has a slightly more theatrical or dramatic connotation. It is used when someone is putting on a performance, not necessarily to deceive but to entertain or dramatize.

• The kids were play-acting a scene from their favorite movie
• Sometimes she tends to play-act during arguments to make her point

Pose is used when someone adopts a particular attitude or position, often to impress others or to fit into a certain social group. It has a negative connotation when it implies faking or insincerity.

• He posed as an art expert to impress people at the gallery
• She likes to pose as a knowledgeable critic, but she doesn't know much

Sham indicates a false appearance or something that is fake. It is used in more negative contexts, highlighting deceit or fraud.

• The product turned out to be a sham and didn't work as advertised
• His concern for her is just a sham; he doesn't really care