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0 English - Monolingual Dictionary

Pretend

prəˈtɛnd
Very common
~ 2800
~ 2800, Very common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
To behave as if something is true when it is not, To make believe or feign, To claim falsely or falsely profess

Pretend - Meanings

To behave as if something is true when it is not

Example: He pretended to be sick so he wouldn't have to go to work.
Usage: informalContext: everyday conversations
Note: Commonly used in storytelling and role-playing

To make believe or feign

Example: The children pretended to be pirates during recess.
Usage: informalContext: interactions with children or in playful situations
Note: Often used in imaginative play

To claim falsely or falsely profess

Example: She pretended that she had read the book even though she hadn't.
Usage: formalContext: academic or professional settings
Note: Can imply deceit or insincerity

Pretend's synonyms

feign

To feign means to pretend or fake something, often in order to deceive others.
Example: She feigned illness to get out of the meeting.
Note: Feign is a more formal or literary term compared to pretend.

act

To act means to behave in a way that is not necessarily genuine or true to one's feelings or intentions.
Example: He acted like he didn't care, but deep down he was hurt.
Note: Act can imply a more deliberate and conscious performance compared to pretend.

simulate

To simulate means to imitate the appearance or characteristics of something, often for the purpose of study, training, or entertainment.
Example: The flight simulator allows pilots to simulate various emergency scenarios.
Note: Simulate can involve a more technical or scientific aspect compared to pretend.

make believe

To make believe means to engage in imaginative play or fantasy, pretending that something is true or real when it is not.
Example: Children love to make believe they are superheroes or princesses.
Note: Make believe often implies a more playful or childlike form of pretending.

Pretend expressions, common phrases

play pretend

To act as if something is true or real when it is not, usually for fun or amusement.
Example: Children love to play pretend, pretending to be pirates or princesses.
Note: Adding 'play' emphasizes the playful and imaginative aspect of pretending.

pretend to be

To behave as if one is someone or something else, often for a specific purpose or deception.
Example: She pretended to be sick to get out of going to school.
Note: This phrase specifies the person or thing being pretended to be.

pretend not to

To act as if one is unaware of something, usually to avoid a situation or responsibility.
Example: He pretended not to hear her when she called his name.
Note: This phrase focuses on the action of ignoring or feigning lack of awareness.

pretend like

To act as if or behave in a manner similar to something or someone.
Example: Stop pretending like you know everything about this topic.
Note: Using 'like' adds informality and colloquialism to the expression.

pretend play

Engaging in imaginative or make-believe activities, especially common in childhood.
Example: Psychologists often observe children engaging in pretend play to understand their cognitive development.
Note: This phrase specifically refers to the act of playing in a pretend or imaginary manner.

just pretend

To simply act as if something is true or real, without actually believing or committing to it.
Example: Just pretend that you're confident, even if you're feeling nervous.
Note: The use of 'just' suggests a straightforward or uncomplicated act of pretending.

Pretend everyday (slang) expressions

front

To front means to pretend or fake a certain behavior or attitude, especially to appear more impressive or confident than one truly is.
Example: She's just fronting like she doesn't care, but I know she's upset.
Note: Fronting implies a deliberate attempt to deceive or deceive others, often for personal gain or protection.

put on airs

To put on airs means to pretend to be more important, wealthy, or knowledgeable than one actually is, typically in a haughty or pretentious manner.
Example: She puts on airs and acts so snobby when she's around those people.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the aspect of appearing superior or sophisticated compared to simply pretending.

fake it

To fake it means to pretend to be or act a certain way, particularly in a situation where one lacks knowledge, skill, or confidence.
Example: I have no idea what I'm doing, but I'll just fake it till I make it.
Note: This slang term focuses on imitating or mimicking behavior without genuinely possessing the required qualities or abilities.

put up a front

To put up a front means to pretend to have certain characteristics or emotions that one does not truly possess.
Example: He puts up a front of being tough, but deep down, he's really sensitive.
Note: This expression suggests creating a facade of toughness or strength to conceal vulnerabilities or true feelings.

act the part

To act the part means to pretend to fulfill a particular role or persona, often with insincerity or hidden motives.
Example: She can act the part of a caring friend, but don't be fooled by her sweet façade.
Note: This term alludes to performance or role-playing, emphasizing the theatrical or artificial nature of the pretense.

cop a pose

To cop a pose means to pretend to adopt a certain posture, attitude, or demeanor to conform to a specific image or group.
Example: Don't cop a pose just to fit in with them; be yourself.
Note: This slang term often implies a superficial or insincere attempt to conform or impress others rather than genuinely expressing oneself.

put on a show

To put on a show means to pretend or exaggerate emotions or behaviors for the purpose of performance or display.
Example: She puts on a show of being carefree, but I can tell she's stressed.
Note: This phrase suggests a deliberate act of showcasing or playing up certain aspects for an audience or observers.

Pretend - Examples

She pretended to be interested in his story.
He pretended to be sick to avoid going to work.
The children were pretending to be pirates.

Pretend grammar

Pretend - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: pretend
Conjugations
Adjective (Adjective): pretend
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): pretended
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): pretending
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): pretends
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): pretend
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): pretend
Syllabification and Stress
pretend Contains 2 syllables: pre • tend
Phonetic transcription: pri-ˈtend
pre tend , pri ˈtend (The red syllable is stressed)

Pretend - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
pretend: ~ 2800 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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