noun
pretense
PREE-tens/ˈpriːtens/
A false or exaggerated display meant to create a particular impression.
The cheerful mask creates a pretense of happiness over the person's worried face.
Etymology
The image of stretching something in front developed into putting forward a claim. A pretense is a false claim or appearance put forward to conceal the actual intention or situation.
In context
obtained admission to my house by means of the false pretense of being my brother under an assumed name
More examples
- His cheerful laugh is a pretense; he is deeply upset.
- Among close friends, she drops all pretenses of sophistication.
- They make no pretense of enjoying the tedious ceremony.
Forms
pretense · pretenses
pretend verb — To act as if something is true.
Similar words
- facade
- Facade emphasizes an outward appearance that conceals the underlying reality.
- sham
- Sham suggests something entirely false, not merely exaggerated.
- affectation
- Affectation emphasizes an unnatural manner adopted to impress others.