pretentious

pronunciation

How to pronounce pretentious in British English: UK [prɪˈtenʃəs]word uk audio image

How to pronounce pretentious in American English: US [prɪˈtenʃəs] word us audio image

  • Adjective:
    making claim to or creating an appearance of (often undeserved) importance or distinction
    intended to attract notice and impress others
    of a display that is tawdry or vulgar

Word Origin

pretentious (adj.)
1836, from French prétentieux (17c.), from prétention "pretension," from Medieval Latin pretentionem (nominative pretentio) "pretension," noun of action from past participle stem of Latin praetendere (see pretend (v.)).

Synonym

Example

1. To refuse an honor offered seems boorish , unconvivial , pretentious .
2. Remove affected or pretentious sounding words .
3. I know almost everyone in this world is pretentious , but you don 't have to be one of them .
4. In new testament times , the pharisees were pros at pretentious prayers .
5. Being open-minded and aware of the world around you shows class and sophistication , but avoid seeming pretentious by being modest instead of showing off what you know .

more: >How to Use "pretentious" with Example Sentences