pretense
UK: prɪˈtens | US: ˈpriːtens
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 "pretense" originates from the Latin praetensus, combining prae- (before) and tensus (stretched). It originally referred to "stretching forth" a claim or appearance, often metaphorically implying exaggeration or deception. Over time, it evolved to emphasize the act of feigning or presenting a false front, retaining its core idea of "stretching the truth."
Her kindness was just a pretense to gain their trust.
He made no pretense of being interested in the conversation.
The elaborate pretense fooled everyone at the party.
Under the pretense of helping, she stole confidential documents.
They dropped the pretense and admitted their true intentions.