Pretend

/prɪˈtɛnd/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A false display or representation.

Her laugh was more of a pretend than a genuine response.

verb

To act as if something is true when it is not; to make believe.

The children like to pretend they are superheroes while playing in the park.

To assume a particular character or role for the sake of entertainment or education.

During the play, she will pretend to be a queen from a faraway land.

To make a false show of something; to feign.

He pretended to be ill to avoid going to school.

Middle English, from Old French 'pretendre' meaning 'to stretch forth'

pretend play

A form of play where children act out roles.

pretend friend

Someone who acts friendly but is insincere.

pretend to be someone

To fake one's identity as someone else.

feign

To pretend to be affected by a feeling, state, or injury.

simulate

To imitate the appearance or character of something.

To act as if something is true, often for humorous effect.

He's just pretending to be an expert in cooking.

To fake interest in something.

She pretends to love sports, but she doesn't really care.