Definition

Not real or sincere; something that is made to look like it is true or genuine but is actually false.

Example

She had a pretended smile that didn't show her true feelings.

Conversation

Did you hear about the pretended heir to the throne?

Yeah, it's such a crazy story!

I can't believe people would actually fall for a pretended claim like that.

Right? It just shows how gullible some can be.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pretended → It is formed from 'pretend' (from Old French *pretendre*, meaning to stretch forth or claim) and '-ed' (a suffix indicating the past tense or a completed action). The word 'pretended' means to have claimed or stretched forth a false appearance or belief in the past.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'claims' ('pretend') something that isn't true, and the '-ed' shows that this action happened in the past.

Visually Confused Words