Although certain definitions spike in our search results based on current events (see Trend Watch), this list presents the eternally vexing words that remain among the most looked up over time.
Definition: expressing affected, unwarranted, or exaggerated importance, worth, or stature
People may have always been pretentious, but the word itself is fairly recent, in use only since the 1830s.
Ben and Ana meet a pretentious writer at a party (Tracy Letts!), and we learn that Ben does...“web apps” and “publishes a small magazine” but mostly rides his bike around.
— Emma Specter, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2022