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.

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Adult ostentatiously displays an upside-down blank art book at a small gallery gathering while making a grand cultured gesture, companions skeptical.
adjective

pretentious

prih-TEN-shuhs/prɪˈtenʃəs/

Trying to seem more important, cultured, or impressive than is justified.

Etymology
preLatinbefore, in front of
+tentLatinstretch, extend; direct toward
+iousFrenchcharacterized by

“Stretch in front” developed into “put forward,” especially a claim. Pretentious describes putting forward claims to excellence or importance that exceed what someone actually merits.

Full entry

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