Pronunciation

/prenˈtend/

Definitions

Verb

• Part of speech: Verb (v)
• Meaning: To pretend, imitate, or feign something, often not being truthful or sincere. For example, pretending to be sick to avoid work or pretending to understand a topic.
• Synonyms: feign, simulate, assume, pretend to be, act, pose

Noun

• Part of speech: Noun (n)
• Meaning: An act or instance of pretending; a pretense. For example, a child’s pretend play or a pretender to the throne.
• Synonym: pretense, charade, masquerade

Phrases

• “Pretend to be someone” means to assume a particular role or identity temporarily.
• “Pretend ignorance” is when someone feigns not knowing something to avoid confrontation.
• “Pretend to be asleep” is a common idiom for faking sleep.

Example Sentences

• Verb: “She pretended to be happy even though she was deeply upset.”
• Noun: “His biggest fear was that people would discover his pretend success.”
• Pretending in context: “The children were pretending to be pirates on the playground.”

Synonyms

• Act (as if)
• Feign
• Impersonate
• Pose
• Conceal (one’s true feelings or intentions)
• Mimic
• Misrepresent
• Deceive (by pretending)