Meaning & Definition of word "Pretentious"

adjective:

• 1. Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed.
  • Example: The restaurant's pretentious decor made it feel more like a museum than a place to eat.
• 2. Characterized by an exaggerated sense of one's own value or importance.
  • Example: His pretentious attitude made it difficult for others to appreciate his true talents.
• 3. Claiming or demanding a position of distinction or merit, especially when undeserved.
  • Example: She found his pretentious claims of being a world-class chef to be quite absurd.
• 4. Producing an ostentatious display or show.
  • Example: The film was criticized for its pretentious plot that was heavy on symbolism but light on substance.