1. Rimuel

    Rimuel New Member

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    I wonder....perhaps in the azure blue sky.

    Difference between pretending and pretentious?

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by Rimuel, Jul 6, 2013.

    Is a person who often pretends to be or do what he is not, a pretentious person? Should I just use the phrase, "full of pretense"?

    P.S.: I'm aware that pretending is a verb and pretentious is an adjective. I just want to know if there is any semantic difference.
     
  2. jannert

    jannert Retired Mod Supporter Contributor

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    Hi - There are different connotations at work hereā€”the idea of falseness, versus the idea of grandeur

    I'm quoting and/or paraphrasing from Websters:

    pretend (verb): to claim or profess falsely, to feign or simulate, or make-believe
    (this can be anything. You can 'pretend' to have a broken leg to avoid going to work, but that's not going to be considered pretentious)

    pretentious (adjective): making claims, explicit or implicit, to some distinction, importance, dignity or excellence; affectedly grand, ostentatious

    pretense (noun) can have either connotation, either projecting any kind of false image (like the broken leg to avoid work), or claiming grandness or ostentation

    pretension (noun): a pretext or allegation, a claim as to a right or title or distinction, assertation of a claim, or a pretentious act or remark
     
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  3. Rimuel

    Rimuel New Member

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    Hmm, I thought so. Thanks!
     

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