pretending

Everyday

1. Pretending means acting as if something is true when it is not, often in a game: pretending to be a dragon. tree →
2. Pretending can also mean trying to trick people by acting falsely: pretending to be ill. tree →

In the lessons

In play and stories, pretending is imagination: pretend play, make-believe, role play in drama lessons. In safety lessons, some people online pretend to be someone else (for example, a child), so never share personal details. In feelings lessons: pretending to be fine when you are not; it is OK to tell a trusted adult. Phrases: pretending to, pretending that, stop pretending.

Examples

• We are pretending to be pirates. tree →
• He was pretending to be asleep. tree →
• She is pretending that the box is a car. tree →
• Stop pretending you did not see me! tree →
• The cat is pretending not to care. tree →
• People online may be pretending to be kids. tree →
• I was pretending to be brave, but I was scared. tree →
• Pretending games help you use your imagination. tree →
• “He-he-he!” exclaimed Iktomi, pretending disappointment that his friend had fallen. tree →

Note

After pretend: «pretending to be», «pretending that…». False friend: in some languages a similar word means «to claim» or «to aim for», but in English pretend means to act as if. Pretending in a game is fine; pretending to trick or hurt someone is lying.