pretend

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   To speak or behave so as to give a false or simulated appearance.

   • You don't have to pretend that the soup tastes fine.
   • You don't have to pretend to like the soup.
   • If you don't like it, say so. You don't have to pretend.
2. 2

   To lay claim (to an ability, status, advantage, etc.).

   • The family's exile was intended to stop them pretending to the throne.
   • Chiefs shall be grudged the part which they pretend.
   • People observed the diversity of schools and the acerbity of their disputes, and decided that all alike were pretending to knowledge which was in fact unattainable.
3. 3

   To hold before, or put forward, as a cloak or disguise for something else

   To hold before, or put forward, as a cloak or disguise for something else; to exhibit as a veil for something hidden.

   • Lest that too heavenly form, pretended / To hellish falsehood, snare them.
4. ›+ 4 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To intend

      To intend; to design, to plot; to attempt.

      • Such as shall pretend / Malicious practices against his state.
   2. 5

      To hold before one

      To hold before one; to extend.

      • Pastorella […] Was by the Captaine all this while defended, / Who, minding more her safety then himselfe, / His target alwayes over her pretended[…].
   3. 6

      Not really what it is represented as being

      Not really what it is represented as being; imaginary, feigned.

      • As children we used to go on "spying" missions around the neighbour's house, but it was all pretend.
   4. 7

      The act of engaging in pretend play.

      • We used to dress up in our grandparents' old clothes and play pretend.

The neighborhood

• neighborpretender
• neighborpretense
• neighborpretension
• neighborpretentious
• neighborpretentiousness