What does pretenses mean?
Pretenses are outward claims, identities, appearances, or explanations that may conceal the truth. The word commonly suggests something deliberately misleading, such as a false claim of innocence or an assumed air of confidence. In other contexts, it describes the social roles and polished images people present to others, as in the pretenses of polite conversation or public celebrity. Because “pretenses” is the plural of “pretense,” it usually appears when discussing several claims or appearances at once, although it can also take a collective sense referring to a general practice of pretending. The term is useful when discussing the gap between what someone presents to the world and what is actually the case. It is related etymologically to “pretension” and “pretentious,” words that also concern assumptions, claims, or an ostentatious display.
nounThe plural form of pretense, referring to false claims, assumed identities, or outward appearances used to deceive or impress. It can also mean the ostensible reasons or explanations offered for one's actions.
- False claims, assumed identities, or outward appearances used to deceive or impress.
- Ostensible reasons or explanations offered for one's actions.
"His friendly manner and apparent confidence were mere pretenses."
"The company abandoned its pretenses of environmental responsibility after the investigation."
"She grew tired of the pretenses surrounding her family's celebrated reputation."
Standard plural of “pretense.” The singular form is “pretense” in American English and “pretence” in British English.
"The witnesses rejected the defendant's pretenses of innocence."
Pretenses can make a person look polished while hiding what they actually think or intend.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pretenses come from?
The word comes through Old French from Latin praetentum, meaning a stretching forth or an allegation, and ultimately from praetendere, “to stretch forth” and “to put forward as an excuse or claim.” In English, “pretense” developed senses involving a false claim, an assumed behavior, and an ostensible reason. Its related forms “pretension” and “pretentious” continue the same history of putting forward claims or appearances.
How pretenses is actually used
Usually plural and somewhat formal. The word often implies that an appearance or explanation is deliberately misleading, though it can also refer more neutrally to social conventions or public-facing roles.