Skip to content

Pretence Definition & Meaning

pretence
noun
  1. a false or unsupportable quality
  2. an artful or simulated semblance; "under the guise of friendship he betrayed them"
  3. pretending with intention to deceive
  4. imaginative intellectual play
  5. the act of giving a false appearance; "his conformity was only pretending"

"Pretence" in song lyrics

See how pretence is used in real songs:

  • "You lack the knowledge to understand the pretence"
    Rodney Kendrick f/ GZA, Killah Priest, Scorpion — Rapability

Usage tips for "pretence"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "pretence" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for pretence to find words that pair well.

Use "pretence" in a verse

Now that you know what "pretence" means, try using it in your own lyrics:

Generate a verse

Frequently asked questions

What does pretence mean?
a false or unsupportable quality an artful or simulated semblance; "under the guise of friendship he betrayed them" pretending with intention to deceive imaginative intellectual play the act of giving a false appearance; "his conformity was only pretending"
What part of speech is pretence?
Pretence is a noun.
How many definitions does pretence have?
Pretence has 5 definitions across 1 part of speech (noun).

Look up another word