Main Entry: pre·tense

Variant(s): or pre·tence \ˈprē-ˌten(t)s, pri-ˈ\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, probably modification of Medieval Latin pretensio, irregular from Latin praetendere

Date: 15th century

1 : a claim made or implied; especially : one not supported by fact
2 a : mere ostentation : pretentiousness <confuse dignity with pomposity and pretense — Bennett Cerf> b : a pretentious act or assertion
3 : an inadequate or insincere attempt to attain a certain condition or quality
4 : professed rather than real intention or purpose : pretext <was there under false pretenses>
5 : make-believe, fiction
6 : false show : simulation <saw through his pretense of indifference>