Pretended: meaning, definitions and examples

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pretended

 

[ prɪˈtɛndɪd ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

acting

To pretend means to behave as if something is true when in fact you know it is not, usually in order to deceive someone.

Synonyms

act, feign, simulate

Examples of usage

  • He pretended to be interested in her work.
  • She pretended that she was enjoying the party.
Context #2 | Verb

make-believe

To pretend also means to imagine or make believe something to be the case.

Synonyms

fantasize, imagine, make-believe

Examples of usage

  • The children pretended to be pirates on the playground.
  • I pretended that I was a famous singer performing on stage.
Context #3 | Noun

role-play

A pretender is someone who lays claim to a title or position without actually having the right to it.

Synonyms

claimant, usurper

Examples of usage

  • The pretender to the throne sought support from the nobles.

Translations

Translations of the word "pretended" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fingiu

🇮🇳 दिखावटी

🇩🇪 vorgeben

🇮🇩 berpura-pura

🇺🇦 удаваний

🇵🇱 udawany

🇯🇵 ふりをした (furi o shita)

🇫🇷 prétendu

🇪🇸 fingido

🇹🇷 numara yaptı

🇰🇷 가장한 (gajanghan)

🇸🇦 تظاهر

🇨🇿 předstíral

🇸🇰 predstieraný

🇨🇳 假装的 (jiǎzhuāng de)

🇸🇮 pretvarjal

🇮🇸 þóttist

🇰🇿 жалған жасаған

🇬🇪 თავდაჯერებული

🇦🇿 iddia etdi

🇲🇽 fingido

Etymology

The word 'pretend' originated from the Old French word 'pretendre', which means 'to lay claim'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include acting or imagining. The concept of pretending has been a part of human behavior and play since ancient times, allowing individuals to explore different roles and scenarios.

See also: pretend, pretender, pretenders, pretending, pretension, pretentious.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,497 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.