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Meaning of pretentious
The primary meaning of the word "pretentious" is giving an impression of being more important or sophisticated than is really the case.
Etymology of pretentious
The word "pretentious" has its roots in the Latin "praetendere," which means "to stretch out before" or "to claim," and the Latin "pretentiosus," which means "full of pretensions"
The word entered the English language in the 15th century, initially meaning "making a claim" or "having a pretension"
Over time, the word took on a more negative connotation, implying an excessive or unwarranted claim to importance or distinction
Synonyms
affected
pompous
self-important
arrogant
haughty
superior
snobbish
ostentatious
showy
flashy
grandiose
inflated
high-falutin
patronizing
condescending
snooty
lofty
high-minded
refined
cultured
sophisticated
mannered
artificial
insincere
fake
phony
pseudo
pseudo-intellectual
highbrow
elitist
exclusive
selective
discerning
Definitions
- Giving an impression of being more important or sophisticated than is really the case
- Having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's own importance or abilities
- Marked by an unwarranted claim to importance or distinction
Usage Examples
- The actor's pretentious demeanor made it difficult for him to connect with the audience
- The professor's pretentious language made the lecture seem more complicated than it needed to be
- The restaurant's pretentious menu featured dishes with overly elaborate descriptions
Antonyms
humble
modest
unassuming
down-to-earth
straightforward
sincere
genuine
authentic
unpretentious
simple
unostentatious
low-key
understated
restrained
reserved
unambitious
lackluster
dull
unremarkable
ordinary
common
plebeian