Pretender (en. Pretend)

/pre'tender/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish

verb

To seek to achieve something or perform an action.

He intends to obtain his diploma this year.

Él pretende obtener su diploma este año.

To try to deceive or give a false impression.

Don't pretend you don't know it; everyone is aware.

No pretendas que no lo sabes, todos están al tanto.

To propose an intention or desire.

She intends to travel around the world next year.

Ella pretende viajar por el mundo el próximo año.

From the Latin 'praetendere', which means 'to stretch before', 'to demand'.

do not pretend to deceive me

not attempting to falsify the truth.

no pretender engañarme

pretend that nothing happened

acting as if a significant event did not occur.

pretender que no pasó nada

pretend to be someone else

acting in a less than authentic manner.

pretender ser otra persona

demand compliance

demanding that something be done in a specific way.

pretender cumplimiento

pretentious

that makes a pretense.

pretenso

pretense

the intention or desire to achieve something.

pretensión

To act as if one has more than one actually is.

That guy only pretends to be richer than he is.

Ese tipo solo pretende ser más rico de lo que es.

To act with false humility.

She always pretends not to care, but it actually affects her.

Ella siempre pretende que no le importa, pero en realidad le afecta.