pretense
Definitions
An act of behaving falsely; a false show or claim
假装，伪装；假象
A false reason given to hide the real one (a pretext)
借口，托词
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedThe noun of pretend: pre- (in front) + tens (stretched form of tend) = "the false front stretched out in front." A pretense is the screen itself — the show you hold up, or the fake reason you offer to cover your real intent. (American spelling pretense; British pretence.)
Root tend still carries 40 more wordsUsage Guide
- Spelling: pretense (American) vs pretence (British) — same word.
- "under the pretense of" = using a false reason as cover.
- "under false pretenses" is a fixed legal/idiomatic phrase (obtaining money under false pretenses).
Example Sentences
- 1.
He entered the building under the pretense of being a delivery driver.
- 2.
She kept up the pretense that everything was fine.
- 3.
They made no pretense of liking each other.