Pretender: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ญ
pretender
[ prษชหtษndษr ]
person
A person who pretends to be something they are not, especially in order to deceive others.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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pretender |
used for someone who claims to be someone they are not, often to achieve power or influence.
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impostor |
describes someone who assumes a false identity, usually to deceive others for personal advantage. It often implies sneaking into roles or groups.
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faker |
refers to someone who is not genuine, often deceiving others by pretending to be something they are not. This word has a negative connotation.
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fraud |
used to describe a deliberate deception for personal or financial gain, often criminal in nature. This scenario usually involves breaking the law.
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sham |
used to describe something that is not what it appears to be; often refers to situations, events, or objects rather than people. It has a very negative connotation implying deceit.
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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.
claim
A person who makes a false claim to a title or right.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
pretender |
Pretender is used to describe someone who claims to have a right or title, often of a noble or royal position, but lacks the legitimate authority. The term is usually neutral in tone unless the claim is defraudent.
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usurper |
Usurper is used to describe someone who takes a position of power or authority illegitimately or through force. It is often used in historical or political contexts and carries a negative connotation.
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claimant |
Claimant is generally used in formal or legal contexts when someone is asserting a right or demand to property, money, or a title. The term is neutral and factual.
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imposter |
Imposter has a strong negative connotation and refers to someone who pretends to be someone else to deceive others. The focus is on the act of deceit and the intention to trick.
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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:
๐ต๐น pretendente
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฆเคพเคตเฅเคฆเคพเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช Anwรคrter
๐ฎ๐ฉ penuntut
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟัะตัะตะฝะดะตะฝั
๐ต๐ฑ pretendent
๐ฏ๐ต ๅ่ฃ่ (ใใใปใใ)
๐ซ๐ท prรฉtendant
๐ช๐ธ pretendiente
๐น๐ท aday
๐ฐ๐ท ํ๋ณด์
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุฏุนู
๐จ๐ฟ uchazeฤ
๐ธ๐ฐ uchรกdzaฤ
๐จ๐ณ ๅ้ไบบ (hรฒuxuวn rรฉn)
๐ธ๐ฎ kandidat
๐ฎ๐ธ umsรฆkjandi
๐ฐ๐ฟ าฏะผััะบะตั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแแแขแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ namizษd
๐ฒ๐ฝ pretendiente
Etymology
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.
See also: pretend, pretended, pretenders, pretending, pretension, pretentious.