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Pretentiously: meaning, definitions and examples

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pretentiously

 

[prɪˈtɛnʃəsli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a theatrical or pompous manner

If someone behaves pretentiously, they are acting in an exaggerated or artificial way to make themselves seem more important or sophisticated than they really are.

Synonyms

grandiosely, ostentatiously, pompously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pretentiously

Used to describe someone who tries to impress others by pretending to be more important or knowledgeable than they really are. Often used in a negative context.

  • He spoke pretentiously about his travels to foreign countries, even though he had only been to a few tourist spots.
  • She dressed pretentiously for the event, wearing designer labels and extravagant accessories.
ostentatiously

Refers to behavior or items that are meant to attract notice and impress others. Usually has a negative connotation, implying that the actions or items are a showy display of wealth or importance.

  • She wore her diamond necklace ostentatiously to the party, making sure everyone noticed its size and brilliance.
  • He drove around the neighborhood in his ostentatious sports car, revving the engine to draw attention.
grandiosely

Describes actions or plans that are impressive and ambitious, often to a point where they may seem unrealistic or over-the-top. Can have both positive and negative connotations, depending on context.

  • The company announced its plans to expand grandiosely into new markets across the globe.
  • He decorated his house grandiosely for the holidays, with lights and decorations covering every inch of the front yard.
pompously

Describes someone who behaves in a self-important, arrogant manner. This word is generally used in a negative context to criticize someone's inflated sense of their own importance or knowledge.

  • The professor spoke pompously, as if he were the only authority on the subject.
  • He walked around the office pompously, giving orders to everyone as though he were the CEO.

Examples of usage

  • He spoke pretentiously about his knowledge of art, but it was clear he had no real expertise.
  • She pretentiously flaunted her expensive designer clothes at the party.
  • Don't speak so pretentiously, just be yourself.
  • The author's writing style is often criticized for being overly pretentious.
  • His pretentiously posh accent annoyed everyone at the meeting.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'praetendere', meaning 'to stretch out before' or 'pretend'.
  • It became popular in English during the 19th century, often describing art or behavior that seemed exaggerated or false.

Literature

  • In literature, characters who act pretentiously can serve as a critique of vanity or social climbing.
  • Many classic novels, like Jane Austen's works, explore themes of pretentiousness among the upper class, highlighting social pretenses.

Pop Culture

  • Reality TV often showcases pretentious behavior, where individuals flaunt wealth or knowledge in exaggerated ways.
  • Artists like Andy Warhol and Banksy have critiqued pretentiousness in the art world, challenging how art is perceived by the elite.

Psychology

  • Pretentious behavior can stem from insecurity, where individuals overcompensate to appear more impressive.
  • Research shows that people often view pretentiousness negatively, associating it with selfishness and lack of authenticity.

Fashion

  • In fashion, pretentious styles often involve overly complex or extravagant outfits meant to impress others.
  • During some fashion weeks, critics have argued that certain designs are more about status than functionality, embodying pretentiousness.

Translations

Translations of the word "pretentiously" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pretensiosamente

🇮🇳 दिखावे से

🇩🇪 prätentiös

🇮🇩 dengan berpura-pura

🇺🇦 претензійно

🇵🇱 pretensjonalnie

🇯🇵 もったいぶって

🇫🇷 prétentieusement

🇪🇸 pretenciosamente

🇹🇷 gösterişli bir şekilde

🇰🇷 거만하게

🇸🇦 بِتَصَنُّع

🇨🇿 přepjatě

🇸🇰 prehnane

🇨🇳 做作地

🇸🇮 pretenciozno

🇮🇸 tilgerðarlega

🇰🇿 мақтаншақтықпен

🇬🇪 პრეტენზიულად

🇦🇿 iddialı şəkildə

🇲🇽 pretenciosamente

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,770, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.