Pretense

Noun

Definition: An attempt to make something that is not the case appear true.

Synonyms: Pretence, Deception, Charade, Facade

Antonyms: Honesty, Truth, Authenticity

Examples:

He put on a pretense of being ill to avoid going to the party.
The company's financial reports were a pretense to hide their actual losses.

Mnemonics:

Pretense sounds like "pretend," which relates to the act of pretending or deceiving.
Think of a magician's trick, where they create a pretense of making something disappear.

Etymology:

Origin:

From the medieval Latin word "praetensus," meaning "pretended, feigned."

Historical Usage:

The word "pretense" originated in the 15th century with the meaning of "an allegation," and it evolved to its current meaning of a false appearance or deception.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Maintain a pretense"

Explanation:

To continue pretending or feigning something, often in order to deceive others.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "pretense" with "pretentiousness."

Explanation:

While "pretense" refers to deception or false appearance, "pretentiousness" refers to the act of pretending to be more important or sophisticated than one actually is. These are two distinct words with different meanings.