pretend

UK: prɪˈtend | US: prɪˈtend

Definition

  1. v. to behave as if something is true when it is not

  2. v. to claim or assert falsely

  3. v. to imagine or play a role (e.g., in games)

Structure
pre <before>tend <stretch>
Etymology

The word "pretend" originates from Latin praetendere, combining prae- (before) and tendere (to stretch). It originally meant "to stretch forth" or "to claim" (as in extending an assertion). Over time, it evolved to imply false claims or imaginative play, reflecting the idea of "stretching" the truth or acting "before" reality.

Examples

  1. The children pretend to be superheroes.

  2. He pretended not to hear the question.

  3. She can’t pretend to like something she hates.

  4. Don’t pretend you know the answer if you don’t.

  5. In the game, we pretended the couch was a spaceship.