Meaning & Definition of word "Pretentious"
Pretentious
/prɪˈtɛnʃəs/
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.
Etymology
●From French 'prétentieux', from 'prétendre' meaning to pretend or claim.
Common Phrases and Expressions
pretentiousness:
The quality of being pretentious.
pretentious art:
Art that is considered to be excessively showy or affected.
Related Words
ostentation:
A pretentious display meant to impress others.
snobbery:
The qualities, behaviors, or attitudes of a snob.
affectation:
Fake behavior meant to impress.
Slang Meanings of pretentious
Meaning: Extra
● Example Sentence: That party was so extra, everyone was acting so pretentious.
Meaning: Fancy-pants
● Example Sentence: He's a real fancy-pants; always trying to show off how cultured he is.