Pretender Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ญ
pretender
[prษชหtษndษr ]
Definitions
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 |
|---|---|
| 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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Many movies feature characters who are pretenders, adding drama and intrigue, like in 'The Great Gatsby' where Jay Gatsby pretends to be wealthy.
- In music, songs about pretenders often explore themes of identity and deception, such as 'Youโre So Vain' by Carly Simon.
Psychology
- Cognitive dissonance may occur when someone is a pretender, as they may feel anxiety from not being true to themselves.
- Pretending can serve as a coping mechanism, allowing individuals to escape from reality or explore different aspects of their identity.
Literature
- Many classic stories feature pretenders, like Shakespeareโs 'Twelfth Night', where characters disguise themselves to navigate social intrigues.
- In 'The Catcher in the Rye', Holden Caulfield criticizes 'phonies', which is closely related to the concept of pretending.
Society
- In social situations, pretending can create a sense of belonging but can also lead to feelings of isolation when the truth is revealed.
- In the digital age, online personas are often pretenders, with people presenting curated versions of themselves through social media.
Origin of 'pretender'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'praetendere', meaning 'to stretch forth', which reflects the idea of stretching the truth.
- In Middle English, 'pretender' was used to describe someone who makes a claim or puts forth a pretense.
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.