Pretended: meaning, definitions and examples
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pretended
[prɪˈtɛndɪd ]
Definitions
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pretended |
When someone makes something appear true that is not, often used for minor or playful deceptions.
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| feign |
Used when someone makes a false show of something, often used in more formal or literary contexts.
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| simulate |
When copying the appearance or conditions of something, often used in technical, scientific, or training contexts.
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| act |
Refers to performing or behaving in a certain way, commonly in a theatrical or formal setting.
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Examples of usage
- He pretended to be interested in her work.
- She pretended that she was enjoying the party.
make-believe
To pretend also means to imagine or make believe something to be the case.
Synonyms
fantasize, imagine, make-believe.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pretended |
Used when someone acts as if something is true when it is not, often to deceive others or in playful scenarios.
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| make-believe |
Used in the context of children’s play or storytelling, involving playing a role or imagining a fantastical scenario.
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| imagine |
Used when someone thinks about or forms a mental image of something that is not present or real. This can be neutral or creative.
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| fantasize |
Used when someone daydreams or thinks about things that are highly improbable or impossible. Often has a hopeful, wishful tone.
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Examples of usage
- The children pretended to be pirates on the playground.
- I pretended that I was a famous singer performing on stage.
role-play
A pretender is someone who lays claim to a title or position without actually having the right to it.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pretended |
Use in situations where someone is faking or feigning something, usually related to emotions or actions.
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| claimant |
Best used in legal or official situations where someone is asserting a right to something, often in courts or legal documents.
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| usurper |
Appropriate in scenarios involving someone who has taken power or position without having the right to do so, often with a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The pretender to the throne sought support from the nobles.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'praetendere,' meaning 'to stretch forth,' indicating an extension of reality.
- It entered the English language in the late 14th century, initially related to 'claiming' or 'asserting' something.
- As language evolved, it took on the playful connotation we recognize today, focusing on imagination.
Psychology
- Pretending can be a crucial part of childhood development, allowing kids to explore different identities and social roles.
- Research shows that children who engage in pretend play are often better at problem-solving and understanding others’ feelings.
- In therapy, adults are sometimes encouraged to 'pretend' to confront memories or feelings, facilitating emotional expression.
Literature
- In many stories, characters often pretend to be someone they're not to achieve their goals, like in Shakespeare’s plays, which explore themes of identity.
- The use of disguise can be seen as a literary trope, revealing truth through artifice, making the pretend an essential part of storytelling.
- Classic children’s tales often revolve around themes of pretending, teaching readers about honesty and reality.
Pop Culture
- Movies and TV shows frequently showcase characters pretending, whether in comedies that exaggerate situations or dramas that involve secret identities.
- The phrase 'fake it till you make it' is popular in popular culture, suggesting that acting as if you have skills or confidence can help achieve them.
- Social media often encourages a form of pretending, where people curate perfect lives that may not reflect reality.
Education
- Teachers use role-playing as a technique in classrooms, allowing students to 'pretend' and understand historical events or scientific concepts.
- Pretend play is regarded as an important educational tool, enabling learners to engage creatively and collaborate with peers.
- Creative writing exercises often ask students to 'pretend' to be a character, helping to develop empathy and perspective.
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