pretence
UK: prɪˈtens | US: prɪˈtens
n. a false appearance or action intended to deceive
n. a claim, especially a false or ambitious one
n. the act of pretending; make-believe
The word "pretence" originates from the Latin praetendere ("to stretch forth, allege"), combining prae- (before) and tendere (to stretch). It entered Middle English via Old French pretendre, evolving to mean "to claim" or "to feign." The sense of "false appearance" emerged as the word shifted to describe actions or claims extended beyond truth.
Her kindness was just a pretence to gain his trust.
He made no pretence of being interested in the lecture.
The thief entered the house under the pretence of delivering a package.
Their friendship was a mere pretence to hide their rivalry.
She abandoned all pretence of politeness when she realized she was being lied to.