Pretension Definition & Meaning

pretension
noun
  1. a false or unsupportable quality
  2. the advancing of a claim; "his pretension to the crown"; "the town still puts forward pretensions as a famous resort"
  3. the quality of being pretentious (behaving or speaking in such a manner as to create a false appearance of great importance or worth)

Usage tips for "pretension"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "pretension" 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 pretension to find words that pair well.

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