pretended

[pɹɪˈtɛndɪd]

Language▾

German

Persian

Russian

Spanish

pretend

Pretended usually means acting like something is true when it's not. A person pretends to have skills or feelings they don't really have.

For example, someone might pretend to be interested in a hobby to fit in with their friends, but if you ask them more questions, they'll reveal that they've never actually tried it before. Pretending can also mean imitating something real, like pretending to be a doctor on stage or in a play.

In some cases, pretended is used as the past tense of pretend, so "I pretended I didn't see it" means you acted like you hadn't noticed something, but you actually did.

How common is "pretended"?

Word pretended is considered rare in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

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.

1 / 7

Real examples of "pretended" in context

Real-world video examples for this word are still being added.

pretended

How common is "pretended"?

verb

Real examples of "pretended" in context

Save 'pretended' to your personal vocabulary and increase your knowledge with smart tests!