Definition of pretentious
1
: characterized by pretension: such 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 — Amer. Guide Series: Vt.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for pretentious
The first known use of pretentious was in 1832
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