pretend

The word “pretend” means to act as if something is true or real when it isn't, in order to deceive or as part of play. In plain terms, to act like something is true or real, either playfully or to fool someone.

“Pretend” is pronounced pruh-TEHND (/pɹəˈtɛnd/ in IPA).

Here is “pretend” used in a sentence: “The kids pretended the sofa was a pirate ship.”

Depending on how it is used, “pretend” can be a verb and an adjective.

The word “pretend” comes from Latin. From Latin praetendere, "to hold out in front, put forward as a cover" — from prae- ("before") + tendere ("to stretch").

“Pretend” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Pretend” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to act as if something is true or real when it isn't, in order to deceive or as part of play.

To "pretend" is to act as if something is true or real when it isn't, either to deceive or as part of play. To "imagine" is to form a picture in your mind. Pretending usually involves outward behaviour, while imagining happens internally.

As an adjective, "pretend" means not genuine, imaginary, or made up as part of a game, as in "a pretend kitchen." It is informal and is often used with or about children's play.

"Pretend to" is followed by a verb, as in "pretend to sleep." "Pretend that" is followed by a clause, as in "pretend that you are asleep." Both express acting as if something is true when it isn't.