pretence

Everyday

1. Pretence is acting as if something is true when it is not, for example pretending to be asleep or happy. tree →
2. A pretence can be a false reason given to hide the real one, as in "under the pretence of helping". tree →
3. "Make no pretence" means not even trying to look as if you are something. tree →

In the lessons

In stories pretence shows that a character is hiding their real feelings or plans; readers should look for the truth behind it. In honesty and safety lessons, "under false pretences" means tricking people, as scammers do. Play pretence (make-believe) is a normal, healthy part of children's games.

Examples

• Her smile was just a pretence; inside she was sad. tree →
• He kept up the pretence of being ill to miss the test. tree →
• The scammer got into the house under the pretence of checking the meter. tree →
• Let's drop the pretence and tell the truth. tree →
• Their game of pretence turned the sofa into a pirate ship. tree →
• He made no pretence of liking broccoli. tree →
• Getting money under false pretences is a crime. tree →
• So, under pretence of visiting some small islands that belonged to his father, he set out. tree →

Note

UK, Australia, NZ, Ireland: pretence; USA: pretense; Canada uses both. Verb: pretend. Phrase: "under false pretences" (plural). Pretending in a game is fine; pretence to trick people is dishonest.