pretension

¹pre·ten·sion

noun \pri-ˈten(t)-shən\

Definition of PRETENSION

1

: an allegation of doubtful value : pretext

2

: a claim or an effort to establish a claim

3

: a claim or right to attention or honor because of merit

4

: an aspiration or intention that may or may not reach fulfillment <has serious literary pretensions>

5

: vanity, pretentiousness

— pre·ten·sion·less \-ləs\ adjective

Examples of PRETENSION

1. He spoke about his achievements without pretension.
2. I admire his honesty and lack of pretension.
3. The restaurant offers excellent food without pretension.

First Known Use of PRETENSION

15th century

Related to PRETENSION

Synonyms: call, dibs, pretense (or pretence), claim, right

Antonyms: humility, modesty, unassumingness, unpretentiousness

Related Words: birthright, prerogative, title; favor, privilege; refusal

Near Antonyms: disclaimer, quitclaim, release, waiver

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at ambition