Definition of pretense

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pretension >

pre·tense    (prtns, pr-tns) KEY 

NOUN:

1. The act of pretending; a false appearance or action intended to deceive.
2. A false or studied show; an affectation: a pretense of nonchalance.
3. A professed but feigned reason or excuse; a pretext: under false pretenses.
4. Something imagined or pretended.
5. Mere show without reality; outward appearance.
6. A right asserted with or without foundation; a claim. See Synonyms at claim.
7. The quality or state of being pretentious; ostentation.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French pretensse, from Medieval Latin *praetnsa, from Late Latin, feminine of praetnsus, alteration of Latin praetentus, past participle of praetendere, to pretend, assert ; see pretend