pretended
Pretended (adj) means Faked or put on rather than genuine. Example: “His pretended enthusiasm didn't fool anyone.”
How to use pretended
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes a feeling or claim that's fake rather than real.
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His _____ enthusiasm didn't fool anyone.
Related words
Rhymes for pretended
Frequently asked questions
What does “pretended” mean?
The word “pretended” means faked or put on rather than genuine. In plain terms, describes a feeling or claim that's fake rather than real.
How do you pronounce “pretended”?
“Pretended” is pronounced prih-TEHN-dihd (/pɹɪˈtɛndɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “pretended” in a sentence?
Here is “pretended” used in a sentence: “His pretended enthusiasm didn't fool anyone.”
What part of speech is “pretended”?
“Pretended” is an adjective.
Is “pretended” a common word?
“Pretended” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between pretended and feigned?
Both describe something faked rather than genuine, but feigned is often used specifically for emotions or reactions, as in a feigned smile, while pretended applies more broadly to actions, identities, or states of affairs. In practice the two overlap heavily and are frequently interchangeable.
Is pretended used to describe people or things?
Pretended most often modifies a noun to show that something is not what it claims to be, such as pretended ignorance or a pretended friendship. It signals that the quality named is a performance rather than a genuine trait.
What is a common mistake when using pretended?
A frequent error is confusing pretended (an adjective describing something faked) with the verb form pretended, as in he pretended to be asleep. Both come from the same root, but only the adjective directly modifies a noun to mean fake or put-on.