Main Entry: pre·ten·tious

Pronunciation: \pri-ˈten(t)-shəs\

Function: adjective

Etymology: French prétentieux, from prétention pretension, from Medieval Latin pretention-, pretentio, from Latin praetendere

Date: 1832

1 : characterized by pretension: as a : making usually unjustified or excessive claims (as of value or standing) <the pretentious fraud who assumes a love of culture that is alien to him — Richard Watts> b : expressive of affected, unwarranted, or exaggerated importance, worth, or stature <pretentious language> <pretentious houses>
2 : making demands on one's skill, ability, or means : ambitious <the pretentious daring of the Green Mountain Boys in crossing the lake — American Guide Series: Vermont>

synonyms see showy

— pre·ten·tious·ly adverb

— pre·ten·tious·ness noun