51Թ

Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for

pretension

1

[pri-ten-shuhn]

noun

  1. the laying of a claim to something.

    Synonyms: ,
  2. a claim or title to something.

  3. Often pretensions a claim made, especially indirectly or by implication, to some quality, merit, or the like.

    They laughed at my pretensions to superior judgment.

  4. a claim to dignity, importance, or merit.

  5. pretentiousness.

    Synonyms: , ,
  6. the act of pretending or alleging.

  7. an allegation of doubtful veracity.

  8. a pretext.

    Synonyms:


pretension

2

[pree-ten-shuhn]

verb (used with object)

  1. (in prestressed-concrete construction) to apply tension to (reinforcing strands) before the concrete is poured; prestress.

  2. to make (a concrete member) with pretensioned reinforcement.

pretension

/ ɪˈɛʃə /

noun

  1. (often plural) a false or unsupportable claim, esp to merit, worth, or importance

  2. a specious or unfounded allegation; pretext

  3. the state or quality of being pretentious

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

51Թ History and Origins

Origin of pretension1

First recorded in 1400–50; from Medieval Latin ŧԲō- (stem of ŧԲō ); pretense, -ion

Origin of pretension2

First recorded in 1935–40; pre- + tension
Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Any pretension exhibited was earned with the grace of a batted eyelash and a knowing smirk.

From

The air of prestige and haughty pretension that surrounds even the mere mention of the Cannes Film Festival might not conjure the words “shark movie” in your mind.

From

The scene was very close-knit, and they didn’t have any pretension of getting signed to a major label or anything.

From

But Trump never had any pretensions about being a common man.

From

Many of the early bands’ sound had a preciseness to it and a simultaneous lack of pretension.

From

Advertisement

Related 51Թs

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


pretensepretensive