pretend

Definition

To speak or behave so as to give a false or simulated appearance.

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman pretendre, Middle French pretendre (French prétendre (“to claim, demand”)), from Latin praetendere (“to put forward, hold out, pretend”), from prae- (“pre-”) + tendō (“stretch”); see tend.

Example Sentences

• "You don't have to pretend that the soup tastes fine."
• "You don't have to pretend to like the soup."
• "If you don't like it, say so. You don't have to pretend."

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