Pretender: meaning, definitions and examples

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pretender

[ prɪˈtɛndər ]

^{Context #1}

person

A person who pretends to be something they are not, especially in order to deceive others.

Synonyms

faker, fraud, impostor, sham

Examples of usage

He was exposed as a pretender who had never even been to medical school.
She was just a pretender, trying to fit in with the popular crowd.
Don't trust him, he's nothing but a pretender pretending to be your friend.

^{Context #2}

claim

A person who makes a false claim to a title or right.

Synonyms

claimant, imposter, usurper

Examples of usage

The pretender to the throne was quickly overthrown by the rightful heir.
The pretender's false claims were exposed during the investigation.

Translations

Translations of the word "pretender" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pretendente

🇮🇳 दावेदार

🇩🇪 Anwärter

🇮🇩 penuntut

🇺🇦 претендент

🇵🇱 pretendent

🇯🇵 候補者 (こうほしゃ)

🇫🇷 prétendant

🇪🇸 pretendiente

🇹🇷 aday

🇰🇷 후보자

🇸🇦 مدعي

🇨🇿 uchazeč

🇸🇰 uchádzač

🇨🇳 候选人 (hòuxuǎn rén)

🇸🇮 kandidat

🇮🇸 umsækjandi

🇰🇿 үміткер

🇬🇪 კანდიდატი

🇦🇿 namizəd

🇲🇽 pretendiente

Word origin

The word 'pretender' originates from the Old French word 'pretendere', meaning 'to lay claim'. Over time, it evolved to refer to someone who falsely claims a title or right. In English, the term expanded to include individuals who pretend to be something they are not, often for deceptive purposes.