Pretence vs Pretense? Which Spelling Should You Use?

In the English language, there is a wide array of words that mean exactly the same and are spelled almost in the same way but due to the country or region the proper way might vary by just one letter and that is the case for these two words.

The correct spelling for “pretence” or “pretense” will depend one hundred percent on where and how you are using each when writing. If you speak American English, the correct one to use is “pretense”. However, if you are speaking British English the correct spelling is “pretence”. 

As we move forward in the article we will discuss the meaning and origin of the word, synonyms, antonyms, and other elements to take into consideration to determine which one you should be using to write and do so properly.

Origin Of The Words “Pretence” And “Pretense”

The root of this version of the word comes from the Middle French “pretensse“. It is also connected to the Latin participle form of the verb “praetēnsus“. If we were to translate these root words the translation equivalent would be “the act of pretending or pretension”.

Meaning Of The Words “Pretence” And “Pretense”

The meaning of these words is the same as we established on the introduction, an insincere attempt to attain a condition or quality. They can also mean a claim done by someone that is not supported by facts and can not be verified.

It is the act of confusing dignity with pompous behavior where the person who “pretends” does not portray their true self or the truth of the events that occurred.

These words can also mean something that is make-believe, that does not exist in reality or that lacks proof of verifiable existence. Like a false allegation or pretending to have something or be someone, that we are not.

Is “Pretense” a Verb Or a Noun?

From its root, the word itself also has several variants for different uses. And to answer the questions above it can be all three by using its different variants. If we think of the verb form, the word loses the “se” at the end and a “d” is added, this makes up “to pretend”. Just like any other verb it will have a gerund form by using “ing” at the end and as a verb when using the past tense it is a regular verb and it will be conjugated by using “ed”. Here are some examples:

1. She likes to pretend she can do whatever she wants. However, she knows better than to defy her parents.
2. They had mastered the art of pretending everything was fine. Imagine having all eyes on you, all the time, you either got good at pretending or you would not survive.
3. We pretended not to see what had happened to spare embarrassment on our host that was trying very hard for us not to notice.

“Pretense”, as previously stated, is also a noun. Now when using the noun form of “pretense” there is no need to modify the word, we would just incorporate it into the sentence in the place of the noun. Here are some examples:

1. Regardless of how much she smiled the pretense of happiness had faded. It was noticeable in her eyes that she had been suffering for a long time.
2. My mother, on the pretense of knowing better, kept me from achieving my true potential for years. It wasn’t until I moved out and became independent when I discovered what was kept from me for so long.
3. Sexual predators usually portray themselves as children. This pretense is what enables them to reach their victims so easily. That is why parents must always be on the lookout when children are exposed to technology and keep an eye out for who is trying to be friends with their kid.

Synonyms of “Pretense” And “Pretence”

Who would think that a word with a meaning such a this would ever need a synonym, but it does and surprisingly there are over 115 synonyms that could be used in the place of “pretense” or “pretence”!

Here are the top 10 synonyms that could be used interchangeably for both form of this word:

1. Simulation
2. Falsification
3. Charade
4. Misrepresentation
5. Fabrication
6. Deceit
7. Trickery
8. Act
9. Insincerity
10. Ostentation

If you used any of these in a sentence they can all be replaced by “pretense” without losing the point being made. For example:

• Your fabrication of love was short-lived as she knew the minute you said you loved her that it was merely a means to an end.

If we replaced “fabrication” with “pretense” the sentence is unimpacted and the meaning and context remain unaltered.

Adjectives Derived From “Pretense” Or “Pretence”

Given that “pretense” has both a verb and noun form depending on which you take it from it can have many adjectives that could be derived from both the noun form or even the past particle of the verb form.

These are the most commonly known ones:

1. Pretentious: intends to impress others.
2. Pretenceless: when someone has no pretenses.
3. Pretensed: the past for of the verb that is often used as an adjective.
4. Pretentionless: a variation of “pretense,” similar in meaning to pretenceless.
5. Pretenseful: filled or full of pretenses. An ostentatious person.

Here are some useful examples with each of these adjectives:

1. Some celebrities can be so pretentious in their style and what they portray that it becomes difficult to sympathize with them, let alone be a fan.
2. Her intentions were definitely pretenseless, she did exactly as she said she would.
3. They appeared pretensed. Like they had something hidden but it was so obvious they were not showing their true colors.
4. If I could choose a type of people to surrounded with at all times, the pretentionless would certainly be at the top of my list.
5. He was the most pretenseful person I’ve ever encountered.

Which Is The Correct One To Use When Writing?

The answer to this question is that both are correct and can be used when writing but whether each spelling is appropriate or not will be determined by whom the text is for and what variation of English as a language is used.

If you are writing in American English then the correct one to use is “pretense” spelled with an “S”. Now if you are writing in British English or for British readers the appropriate form is the one with a “C”, “pretence.” This also applies to Australians and Scottish English speakers.

Examples Of “Pretense” Used In Sentences

1. The board dropped the pretense of firing the CEO and was forced to move forward with his vision for the next year.
2. The pretense that she would come was but an illusion. After everything they did to her, there was no way she was going to show her face here again.
3. What people loved the most about Lady Di is how she was of little pretense and always focused on helping others, especially those in need.
4. They were under the pretense that children would be returning to the schools but the lockdown was extended due to a peak in the pandemic.
5. Nothing shows resentment like the pretense of saying someone did something out of spite.

Examples Of “Pretence” Used In Sentences

1. They made no pretence of leading a life of example, they lead a life of impulsiveness and abandonment instead.
2. What religious people call “virtue” in a young woman is nothing but pretence that only benefits the men. While they get to saw their oats, the young woman, to be desirable for marriage must remain of virtue.
3. The merger negotiations were done without pretence, all the cards were laid out and the stakeholders knew exactly what they were agreeing to.
4. On the pretence of speaking about their child, his ex-wife set up a romantic dinner to try and reignite the spark they once had.
5. In the times of ancient holy wars, many kings and queens escaped and left their people to fend for themselves under the pretence of their royal status.

Summary And Conclusion

The primary purpose of speaking a language is to communicate. Not only speaking this language but also writing it. When we speak is more simple to be properly understood, is more direct and there are gestures and context surrounding what we say that simplify the idea being shared. However, when we write, if the proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation are not used one might get lost in translation or come across as unknowledgeable.

Words that happen to be identical in meaning and use like “pretense” and “pretence” could easily slip under the radar and we might make a mistake when writing them. Particularly if we are pretentious about our agility when we speak and forget to set them apart when we write.

Now that we have gone over the origin, meaning, uses, and proper contexts for each one to be used it should be easy going forward for you to use them and not mistake one for the other.