English Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition pretence in British English

pretence noun

[countable/uncountable] noun
/prɪˈtens/
1

a way of behaving that does not honestly express your real feelings, thoughts, or intentions

Example

She said she was really pleased to see us, but I could tell it was just a pretence.

Example

Harper was convicted without even the pretence of a proper trial.

Example

Yeltsin, now seriously ill, had given up any pretence of being in charge.

Example

Alex made no pretence of hiding her disappointment.

Synonyms and related words
Definition pretence in British English