Pretentiousness: meaning, definitions and examples

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pretentiousness

[prɪˈtɛnʃəsnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in behavior

The quality of being pretentious; pretending to be more important or more intelligent than one really is. It involves an exaggerated sense of self-importance and a desire to impress others.

Synonyms

arrogance, haughtiness, pretension, snobbery.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pretentiousness	This word fits situations where someone tries to appear more important, skilled, or cultured than they really are. It often involves putting on airs and can be pretended sophistication. His pretentiousness was evident when he insisted on discussing obscure philosophies he barely understood
snobbery	Snobbery is best used when referring to attitudes or behaviors where someone believes they are superior because they belong to a different social or cultural group. His snobbery was apparent when he refused to dine at any restaurant that wasn't Michelin-starred
arrogance	Use in contexts where someone has an inflated sense of their own importance or abilities. This behavior often involves looking down on others and feeling superior. Her arrogance made it difficult for others to work with her, as she never admitted her mistakes
pretension	Describes a claim or aspiration to something, often unwarranted or exaggerated. It can involve putting on airs but doesn't necessarily have to be about personal behavior. Her pretension to being an art expert was laughable, as she couldn't tell a Monet from a Picasso
haughtiness	This word describes behavior that is disdainfully proud and feels scorn toward others. It often involves a sense of aloofness and superiority. His haughtiness was clear when he refused to speak to anyone he considered beneath him

Examples of usage

She was criticized for her pretentiousness and snobbish behavior.
His constant name-dropping only served to highlight his pretentiousness.
The author's pretentiousness was evident in his overly complex writing style.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in speech

Behavior or speech that is intended to impress others and make oneself seem more important or intelligent. It often involves a display of knowledge or sophistication that is not genuine.

Synonyms

affectedness, airs, grandiosity, ostentation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pretentiousness	When someone tries to appear more important, talented, or cultured than they actually are, often to impress others. His pretentiousness was evident in the way he spoke about art and literature. She couldn't stand the pretentiousness of the party guests.
affectedness	Used when describing a person's artificial behavior or mannerisms, often adopted to make an impression. His affectedness in speaking with a fake British accent was off-putting. The affectedness in her laugh made it clear she was not genuinely amused.
airs	Commonly used in the phrase 'putting on airs,' referring to someone acting superior or haughty, often without justification. She’s always putting on airs, as if her family were royalty. Stop putting on airs; we're all equals here.
ostentation	Describes a showy display of wealth, status, or power, typically aimed at attracting attention or admiration. His ostentation was evident in the expensive cars and clothes he flaunted. The party was an exercise in pure ostentation and excess.
grandiosity	Refers to an exaggerated sense of one’s importance, power, or abilities, often in a delusional or narcissistic manner. His grandiosity made him think he could solve any problem on his own. The grandiosity of her plans was not matched by her resources.

Examples of usage

Her pretentiousness was evident in the way she spoke about topics she knew nothing about.
The pretentiousness of his speech made it difficult to take him seriously.
Impressing others with his knowledge was a clear sign of his pretentiousness.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'praetendere', meaning 'to stretch out' or 'to claim'.
It entered the English language in the 18th century, initially relating to claims and pretenses.
Over time, it evolved to describe a manner of behaving that is overly showy or self-important.

Pop Culture

In literature, characters that embody this often serve as critiques of social norms, exposing the absurdity of their behaviors.
The 1960s art movement of Pop Art satirized pretentiousness in fine art by pushing everyday objects into the spotlight.
Reality television often highlights pretentious characters, showcasing their attempts to seem more sophisticated for entertainment value.

Psychology

People may exhibit this due to insecurity, compensating for feelings of inadequacy by projecting superiority.
Social psychologists assert that this can lead to negative perceptions and being ostracized in social groups.
It often manifests in communication styles, where individuals use complex vocabulary or reference obscure knowledge to impress.

Sociology

In social contexts, it can create barriers and cause misunderstandings among groups of differing statuses.
This behavior often appears more frequently in affluent social circles, where status and identity are closely tied.
Communities increasingly critique this trend, advocating for authenticity and down-to-earth interactions.

Education

In educational environments, students may feel pressure to present themselves in a way that seems more cultured or academically rigorous.
Pretentiousness in academia can alienate peers, often leading to a study environment that values snobbery over genuine learning.
Teachers encourage open dialogue and relatable communication to counteract feelings of pretentiousness among students.

Translations

Translations of the word "pretentiousness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pretensão

🇮🇳 दिखावा

🇩🇪 Anmaßung

🇮🇩 kepura-puraan

🇺🇦 претензійність

🇵🇱 pretensjonalność

🇯🇵 気取り

🇫🇷 prétention

🇪🇸 pretensión

🇹🇷 gösteriş

🇰🇷 잘난 체함

🇸🇦 تظاهر

🇨🇿 domýšlivost

🇸🇰 domýšľavosť

🇨🇳 自命不凡

🇸🇮 domišljavost

🇮🇸 drambsemi

🇰🇿 өзін-өзі көрсету

🇬🇪 პრეტენზიულობა

🇦🇿 özünü bəyənmə

🇲🇽 pretensión

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,886 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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34883 cockatoo
34884 commingle
34885 shul
34886 pretentiousness
34887 lemming
34888 caustically
34889 escapee
...