What does pretend mean?
Pretend chiefly means to act as though something is true, as though one has a particular quality, or as though an event is occurring. The word can describe innocent imaginative play, as when children pretend that ordinary objects are magical, but it can also describe deliberate deception, such as pretending to understand instructions or pretending not to notice something. Although pretend often implies that the claim is false, it can also be used when the activity is openly acknowledged as make-believe. The related noun refers to make-believe or a false claim, while the uncommon adjective describes something imaginary or existing only in play. Pretend is useful because it covers both serious deception and playful invention without requiring the surrounding context to determine its tone. In formal writing, feign may be preferred when deliberate misrepresentation is clearly intended.
To behave or speak as though something is true, often falsely; to make believe.
"The child pretended to be brave while hiding behind her mother."
The construction “pretend to be” is common, and the verb may also be followed directly by a noun or clause, as in “pretend ignorance” or “pretend that everything is fine.”
Make-believe or a false claim or manner of acting; also, a person who pretends.
"The children turned the garden into an imaginary kingdom during their game of pretend."
The noun is relatively uncommon and is most familiar in the phrase “a game of pretend” or in the plural sense of people who pretend.
Imaginary or existing only in make-believe or play.
"They built a pretend castle from cushions and cardboard."
This use is chiefly informal and is especially associated with children’s play and imaginative storytelling.
Plural forms are rare because the noun is normally used as an uncountable noun, especially in the phrase “a game of pretend.” The plural occurs chiefly when referring to people who make false claims or assumptions.
"The performers were convincing pretends, quickly slipping from one character to another."
Pretend comes from Latin for “stretch forth”—a fitting ancestor for stretching out a claim that may not be true.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pretend come from?
Pretend entered Middle English in the early 17th century through Anglo-French pretendre, derived from Latin praetendere, meaning “to stretch forth” or “to assert publicly.” The Latin combined prae-, meaning “before” or “in front of,” with tendere, meaning “to stretch.” Related English words such as pretence and pretension reflect this source, while extend and contend belong to the same broader Latin root tradition.
Related word forms
How pretend is actually used
Pretend is neutral and widely used in both formal and informal English. It can suggest deliberate deception, but in contexts involving children’s play, storytelling, or imagination it usually has a friendly, playful connotation. The verb feign is more formal and often suggests calculated deception.
Easily confused with pretend
Pretend is normally a verb describing an act of make-believe or false behavior, whereas pretense is a noun referring to a false claim or outward appearance.