What does pretence mean?
Pretence means a false appearance or claim, especially one used to deceive other people. The word is commonly encountered in expressions such as “a pretence of innocence” and “make a pretence of doing something.” It can describe a deliberate performance, as when someone pretends to work, listen, or enjoy an activity, and it may also carry a critical sense of affected or superficial behaviour. For example, a politician’s claim of concern might be dismissed as a pretence if there is no genuine feeling behind it. The noun is chiefly associated with British and Irish English, while American English normally uses the spelling “pretense.” It remains useful because it identifies not merely an appearance but one that may be intentionally misleading, distinguishing it from a neutral description of outward appearance.
nounA false or misleading appearance, claim, or pretence. It can also refer more generally to an act of deception or simulation.
- A false claim or misleading appearance, especially one intended to deceive.
- An act of deception or simulation, as in making or maintaining a false appearance.
- A pretentious or affected display of behaviour or qualities.
"He made a pretence of being interested in the conversation."
"His apology was nothing more than a pretence of regret."
"She continued to make a pretence of reading while quietly watching the room."
Used when referring to separate false claims, appearances, or performances.
"The witness's stories were exposed as a series of elaborate pretences."
The final c in pretence is a familiar British spelling marker: British English usually retains it, while American English generally drops it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pretence come from?
The word entered Middle English through Old French pretence, from Latin praetentio, a noun meaning “pretending” or “allegation.” Latin praetentio was derived from praetendere, literally “to stretch forth” and figuratively “to assert or allege.” The same Latin source underlies related forms such as pretension and pretentious.
Related word forms
How pretence is actually used
Pretence is chiefly used in British and Irish English. It is somewhat formal and often implies deliberate deception, although it can also describe an obviously superficial performance.
Easily confused with pretence
A pretence is a deceptive claim or appearance, whereas a presence is the fact of being present or the quality of someone's manner.
Pretence and pretense are variant spellings of the same word; pretence is standard in British and Irish English, while pretense is standard in American English.