Definition

Noun 1. The act of giving a false appearance; deception. - The behavior of making something that is not true appear to be true. 2. A false claim or reason; a pretext. - A reason given to hide the real reason for an action. 3. A claim to a particular quality or status, often without justification. - An assertion of possessing a certain attribute, right, or ability. 4. (British English spelling; American English: 'pretense') The action of pretending or make-believe, especially in imaginative play.

Usage

• Used as a countable or uncountable noun.
• Often follows prepositions like , , , or .
• Can describe both intentional deception and imaginative play.

Examples

1. As deception:
   • His kindness was all pretence; he just wanted her money.
   • She made a pretence of being interested in the conversation.
2. As a false reason (pretext):
   • He called her under the pretence of needing help with his homework.
   • They entered the building on false pretences.
3. As an unjustified claim:
   • He has no pretence to being an expert in the field.
   • She made no pretence of great wealth.
4. As imaginative play:
   • The children's game was a delightful pretence of being pirates.

Advanced Usage

• "Under/on the pretence of (doing) something": Using a false reason to justify an action.
  • He asked for a meeting under the pretence of discussing the budget.
• "A pretence of something": A false appearance of a particular state or feeling.
  • She kept up a pretence of calm during the crisis.
• "Make a pretence of (doing) something" / "Make pretence to do something": To pretend to do something.
  • He made a pretence of working when the boss walked by.
• "False pretences": (Legal/formal) Acts intended to deceive.
  • He was charged with obtaining money by false pretences.

Variants and Related Words

• Pretend (verb): To behave as if something is true when it is not.
  • The children pretend to be superheroes.
• Pretension (noun): A claim or aspiration, often perceived as unjustified or arrogant.
  • I have no pretensions to fame.
• Pretentious (adjective): Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed.
  • The restaurant was too pretentious for my taste.

Synonyms

• Deception: The act of deceiving someone.
• Pretext: A reason given to conceal the real reason.
• Simulation: The action of pretending; imitation.
• Facade: A false outward appearance.
• Sham: Something that is not what it purports to be; a spurious imitation.

Antonyms

• Honesty: The quality of being truthful.
• Sincerity: The absence of pretence, deceit, or hypocrisy.
• Reality: The state of things as they actually exist.
• Candor: The quality of being open and honest.

Idioms and Phrases

• "Under false pretences": By means of deception or dishonesty.
  • She felt she had been recruited under false pretences.
• "Keep up a pretence": To continue to pretend or deceive.
  • It was impossible to keep up the pretence any longer.
• "Make no pretence": To be completely open and honest about something.
  • He made no pretence about his dislike for the plan.

Noun

1. the act of giving a false appearance
   • his conformity was only pretending
2. imaginative intellectual play
3. pretending with intention to deceive
4. an artful or simulated semblance
   • under the guise of friendship he betrayed them
5. a false or unsupportable quality