Pretension meaning

Pretension is the act of claiming or aspiring to a certain status or quality, often without the basis for it.


Pretension definitions

Word backwards noisneterp
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division pre-ten-sion
Plural The plural form of "pretension" is "pretensions."
Total letters 10
Vogais (3) e,i,o
Consonants (5) p,r,t,n,s

The Nature of Pretension

Pretension is the act of claiming a higher social status or more intelligence than one actually possesses. It involves putting on airs or pretending to be something one is not. Pretentious behavior can manifest in various forms, such as speaking in a condescending tone, name-dropping, or flaunting material possessions to impress others.

Signs of Pretension

There are several signs that can indicate someone is being pretentious. One common signal is the tendency to constantly talk about oneself and exaggerate achievements. Another indicator is the need to always be seen with the "right" people or in the "right" places to boost one's image. Ultimately, pretension stems from insecurity and the desire for external validation.

Effects of Pretension

Pretentious behavior often leads to alienating others and creating barriers to genuine connections. People may perceive a pretentious individual as unapproachable or insincere, which can hinder the formation of meaningful relationships. Moreover, constantly trying to maintain a facade of superiority can be mentally exhausting and emotionally draining.

Overcoming Pretension

To overcome pretension, one must work on building self-awareness and self-acceptance. It is essential to recognize and address the root causes of one's insecurities and strive to cultivate genuine confidence. Developing empathy and humility can also help in forming authentic connections with others. By embracing vulnerability and authenticity, one can break free from the shackles of pretension and live a more fulfilling life.


Pretension Examples

  1. His pretension of being a gourmet chef was evident in the elaborate dinner he prepared.
  2. She saw through his pretension of wealth when she noticed the holes in his shoes.
  3. The author's pretension to literary greatness was evident in his overly complex writing style.
  4. Despite her pretensions of sophistication, he could tell she was just a regular person at heart.
  5. He put on airs of pretension to impress his new coworkers, but they saw right through him.
  6. The pretension of the art critic was off-putting to those who just wanted to enjoy the paintings.
  7. She was tired of his pretentious attitude and wished he would just be himself.
  8. The restaurant was criticized for its pretension, with diners feeling unwelcome and out of place.
  9. Despite his pretensions to royalty, he was actually just a commoner with a vivid imagination.
  10. The pretension of the boutique was meant to attract a wealthy clientele, but it ended up alienating potential customers.


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  • Updated 22/06/2024 - 10:42:43