rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: prae-
Latin

prae-

before, in front of

Forms

  • prae-
  • pre- — The usual English form, often transmitted through French.

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *prai, ‘before,’ related to an older family of words for forward position.

Note

The same relationship can locate something earlier in time or ahead in space.

83 / 94
Adult in ordinary work clothes proudly places a homemade oversized cardboard crown on head at a small gathering, grand claim to status visibly unsupported.
noun

pretension

prih-TEN-shun/prɪˈtenʃn/

An exaggerated or unjustified claim to importance or ability.

Etymology
preLatinbefore, in front of
+tensionLatinstretch, extend; direct toward

“Stretch in front” led to “put forward” a claim. Pretension came to describe an unproven claim, particularly one asserting merit, dignity, or importance.

Full entry

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