Prétendait (en. Claimed)

/pʁetɑ̃dɛ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
verb
To assert something as true without proof.
He claimed to know the truth about the matter.
Il prétendait connaître la vérité sur l'affaire.
To pretend or to put on an appearance.
She pretended to be happy when she was not.
Elle prétendait être heureuse alors qu'elle ne l'était pas.
To ask with confidence.
He claimed to have the right to speak to his superior.
Il prétendait avoir le droit de parler à son supérieur.

Etymology

From Latin 'praetendere', meaning 'to stretch before'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to claim something
To assert or maintain that something is true.
prétendre quelque chose
to apply for a position
To make a request for a job or position.
prétendre à un poste
to claim without proof
To make a statement without support or justification.
prétendre sans preuve

Related Words

pretension
Action or fact of claiming, often with a negative connotation.
prétention
pretentious
One who shows pretension, who seeks to appear superior.
prétentieux

Slang Meanings

To fake it
He fakes it when he claims to be rich.
Il fait le faux quand il prétend être riche.
To plant seeds
She plants seeds when she claims to have connections.
Elle plante des graines quand elle prétend avoir des contacts.