Pretension: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when referring to an exaggerated or false claim, often with a sense of arrogance or self-importance.

• His pretensions to be an expert were quickly debunked
• She has pretensions about her writing skills that aren't justified

Best used when someone is stating something as true, often in situations where there might be doubt or a need for evidence. It can also be negative if unsubstantiated.

• He claimed he was at home during the time of the incident
• Many people claim to have seen the rare bird

Suitable for confidently stating a fact or belief, especially without providing proof or evidence.

• Her assertion that the project would succeed surprised everyone
• He made an assertion about the new policy that was difficult to verify

Use for formal or official statements, often made publicly and with authority.

• The president made a declaration about the new tax policies
• She made a declaration of her intentions to run for office

This is used to indicate what someone says they believe or intend, often implying some doubt or insincerity.

• She professed her commitment to the team, but her actions said otherwise
• He professed to be a loyal friend, but he rarely kept in touch

Used to describe someone who claims or aspires to a certain status or quality, often without the necessary qualifications or evidence. It has a negative connotation when implying a sense of false show.

• His pretensions of being a musical expert annoyed everyone at the party

Describes excessive display of wealth, knowledge, or other qualities to attract attention or admiration. It usually has a negative connotation implying boastfulness.

• His ostentation was clear from the way he always drove his expensive car to impress people

Implying an exaggerated outward show or façade, often intending to impress others. This term carries a negative implication of insincerity or affectation.

• Her pretentiousness was evident when she started using big words unnecessarily

Refers to the behavior or attitude of people who think they are better than others, usually because of their social class, wealth, or education. It is highly negative in connotation.

• His snobbery was apparent when he refused to associate with anyone who didn't attend an elite school

Refers to an attitude of superiority and disdain towards others. It carries a strongly negative connotation.

• Her arrogance made it impossible for her to make friends at the new school

This word is often used to describe someone who claims to have more importance or merit than they actually possess. It usually has a negative connotation.

• His pretension to being an expert on the subject annoyed everyone.

Artifice can refer to clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others. It can be neutral or negative.

• The magician's artifice surprised everyone at the show.

Pretentiousness indicates that someone is trying to appear more important or knowledgeable than they really are, often in a way that is annoying to others.

• Her pretentiousness was clear when she started talking about the fine wines she'd tasted.

Grandiosity is used to describe someone who has an inflated sense of self-importance or behaves in an overly grand manner. It generally has a negative connotation.

• The grandiosity of his speeches made it hard for people to take him seriously.

Affectedness refers to behavior, speech, or mannerisms that are unnatural or forced, sometimes to impress others. It also carries a negative tone.

• Her affectedness was evident in the way she exaggerated her accent.