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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.

32 / 40
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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