rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: tendere
Latin

tendere

stretch, extend; direct toward

Forms

  • tend-
  • tens- — Latin stem of a form meaning ‘stretched.’
  • tent- — Alternative stem of a Latin form meaning ‘stretched.’

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *ten-, ‘stretch.’

Note

Physical stretching became a metaphor for directing the mind toward something.

31 / 40
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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