pretend

[pɹɪˈtɛnd]

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Pretend is when you act like something or someone that isn't really true. It's a way of imagining or making believe.

When we pretend, we're not saying it's real, but we're having fun with the idea in our heads or acting it out for others to enjoy too. Kids often use pretend play to learn and explore the world around them - they might be a superhero one minute and a pirate the next. Even grown-ups can be playful and pretend sometimes - like when you imagine what your future career will be, but it's not really going to happen just yet!

How common is "pretend"?

Word pretend is considered uncommon in modern English.
It appears most frequently in fiction texts and less often in other writings.

Definitions

verb

To claim, to allege, especially when falsely or as a form of deliberate deception.
To feign, affect (a state, quality, etc.).
To lay claim to (an ability, status, advantage, etc.). (originally used without to)
To make oneself appear to do or be doing something; to engage in make-believe.
To hold before, or put forward, as a cloak or disguise for something else; to exhibit as a veil for something hidden.
To intend; to design, to plot; to attempt.
To hold before one; to extend.

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adjective

Not really what it is represented as being; imaginary, feigned.
Example: As children we used to go on "spying" missions around the neighbour's house, but it was all pretend.

Real examples of "pretend" in context

What If We Dumped TRASH Into VOLCANOES?

Entertainment

But let's pretend we get that part sorted. We load up all our trash and head to the nearest volcano.

0:55

10 Things Aaron Paul Can't Live Without

Interview

I'm not pretending to be one, but I needed a nice camera

10:10

Jensen Ackles Teases Supernatural Reunion in The Boys; Talks Action-Packed Countdown (Extended)

Interview

Do you mind getting pretending

6:41

Tom Holland Calls for a Doctor While Eating Spicy Wings | Hot Ones

Interview

My secret weapon is that I will always pretend like my arms are dead so that when I move, my arms kind of swing around.

8:38

Is it true that you blew a Star Wars audition because you couldn't contain your laughter reading lines opposite someone pretending to be a droid?

15:05

Pedro Pascal on His INSANE Coffee Order, The Last of Us Season Two & Playing Mister Fantastic

Interview

Well, just, you know what, pretend I'm your Uber driver.

10:02

pretend

How common is "pretend"?

verb

adjective

Real examples of "pretend" in context

What If We Dumped TRASH Into VOLCANOES?

10 Things Aaron Paul Can't Live Without

Jensen Ackles Teases Supernatural Reunion in The Boys; Talks Action-Packed Countdown (Extended)

Tom Holland Calls for a Doctor While Eating Spicy Wings | Hot Ones

Pedro Pascal on His INSANE Coffee Order, The Last of Us Season Two & Playing Mister Fantastic

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