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/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.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old French 'pretendre' meaning 'to stretch forth'
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
feign
To pretend to be affected by a feeling, state, or injury.
simulate
To imitate the appearance or character of something.
Slang Meanings
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.