1 : a claim made or implied especially : one not supported by fact. 2a : 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.

What is an example of a pretense?

The definition of a pretense is a false impression, a false claim or an attempt to make a falsehood appear true. An example of a pretense is when you pretend to be friends with someone you don't like. An example of a pretense is when you claim to be an expert in something you aren't. noun.

What does pretense mean in writing?

In one sense, a pretense is a claim that's made without proper factual support. It became obvious that his theories were nothing but pretense . You can also use the word pretense as a synonym for guise or simulation. In this sense, a pretense is a false claim intended to hide the true purpose of something.