One entry found for pretense.

Main Entry: pre·tense
Variant(s): or pre·tence /pr-ten(t)s, pri-ten(t)s/
Function: noun
1 : a claim usually not supported by facts
2 : the quality or state of being pretentious <free from pretense>
3 : an effort to reach a certain condition or quality <let's have some pretense of order around here> <the book makes no pretense at completeness>
4 : a pretended purpose <was there under false pretenses>
5 : a false show : SIMULATION <a pretense of indifference>

Pronunciation Symbols