Meaning & Definition of word "Pretend"
to
Pretend
/prɪˈtɛnd/
noun:
- 1. A false display or representation.
- Example: Her laugh was more of a pretend than a genuine response.
verb:
- 1. To act as if something is true when it is not; to make believe.
- Example: The children like to pretend they are superheroes while playing in the park.
- 2. To assume a particular character or role for the sake of entertainment or education.
- Example: During the play, she will pretend to be a queen from a faraway land.
- 3. To make a false show of something; to feign.
- Example: 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 of pretend
Meaning: To act as if something is true, often for humorous effect.
Example Sentence: He's just pretending to be an expert in cooking.
Meaning: To fake interest in something.
Example Sentence: She pretends to love sports, but she doesn't really care.