Pretending: meaning, definitions and examples

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pretending

[prɪˈtɛndɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

behavior

Behave so as to make it appear that something is the case when in fact it is not.

Synonyms

act, feign, make-believe, simulate.

Examples of usage

He was pretending to be asleep
She pretended not to care

^{Context #2 | Verb}

role play

Speak and act so as to make it appear that one is someone or something else.

Synonyms

emulate, imagine, impersonate, mimic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pretending	Used when someone is making believe or acting as if something is true when it is not. Often involves playful or deceitful situations. The kids were pretending to be pirates during playtime. She was just pretending to be happy, but inside she was very sad.
imagine	Used when forming a mental picture or concept of something that is not present or may not even be real. She loves to imagine what life would be like in the future. Just imagine how beautiful the garden will look in full bloom.
emulate	Used when trying to match or surpass someone by imitating them, often with admiration and positive intention. He tried to emulate his father's work ethic and dedication. Many young athletes emulate their sports heroes.
mimic	Used when copying someone’s actions, words, or behaviors, usually for entertainment or teaching purposes. Can be playful or mocking. The parrot can mimic human speech. Children often mimic their parents' behavior.
impersonate	Used when someone is mimicking another person, often to entertain others or deceive. Can carry a negative connotation if used for deceitful purposes. The comedian could impersonate several celebrities perfectly. He was arrested for attempting to impersonate a police officer.

Examples of usage

The children were pretending to be doctors
She pretended to be a famous actress

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Pretending helps develop empathy, as it encourages understanding others' feelings and perspectives.
Role-playing through pretending has been shown to enhance problem-solving skills in children.
Engaging in pretend play is linked to improved creativity and social skills as children learn to cooperate with others.

Theatre

In drama, pretending is a fundamental skill that actors use to bring characters to life on stage.
Improvisation, often taught in acting classes, relies heavily on the ability to pretend and adapt to situations quickly.
The concept of 'suspension of disbelief' highlights how audiences enjoy and engage with stories where actors convincingly pretend.

Cultural Significance

Many cultures celebrate festivals where people dress up and pretend to be different characters, like Halloween in the United States.
Pretending is a common theme in folklore, where characters often disguise themselves to achieve their goals, teaching lessons about identity.
In various cultures, children’s games often involve pretending as a rite of passage, helping them learn social structures and roles.

Literature

The theme of pretending is prominent in many novels, where characters may assume false identities for various purposes.
Classic works like 'Hamlet' explore pretending in the context of madness and sanity, blurring the lines between reality and illusion.
Children's literature often uses characters who pretend to teach morals, like the clever fox in fables who disguises itself to outsmart others.

Education

Educational psychologists emphasize the importance of pretend play in early childhood development, promoting learning through imagination.
In classrooms, teachers often use role-playing to help students grasp complex concepts in a fun and engaging manner.
Pretending can enhance language development, as it provides opportunities for children to use new vocabulary and express ideas creatively.

Translations

Translations of the word "pretending" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fingindo

🇮🇳 नाटक करना

🇩🇪 vortäuschen

🇮🇩 berpura-pura

🇺🇦 прикидання

🇵🇱 udawanie

🇯🇵 ふりをする

🇫🇷 prétendant

🇪🇸 fingiendo

🇹🇷 numara yapmak

🇰🇷 가장하다

🇸🇦 يتظاهر

🇨🇿 předstírání

🇸🇰 predstieranie

🇨🇳 假装

🇸🇮 pretvarjanje

🇮🇸 þykjast

🇰🇿 жалған айту

🇬🇪 ცრუ

🇦🇿 yalan danışma

🇲🇽 fingiendo

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,358, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
10355 provoke
10356 sow
10357 trumpet
10358 pretending
10359 dismissing
10360 triumphant
10361 topical
...