Have you ever wondered about the difference between pretense and pretension? These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we will explore the definitions of pretense and pretension, and determine which word is the proper choice for various contexts.
Pretense is a noun that refers to the act of pretending or feigning. It can also refer to something that is put on for show or appearance, such as a pretense of wealth or happiness. On the other hand, pretension is a noun that refers to a claim or aspiration to a particular quality or status, especially when this claim is unjustified or exaggerated. Pretension can also refer to an attitude of superiority or self-importance.
So, which word is the proper choice in different situations? It depends on the context. If you are talking about someone who is pretending or putting on a false appearance, then pretense is the correct word. For example, “She maintained a pretense of happiness even though she was struggling with depression.” If you are talking about someone who is making an unjustified claim or acting superior, then pretension is the correct word. For example, “His pretension to wealth was laughable, considering he was living paycheck to paycheck.”
In this article, we will explore the nuances of these two words and provide examples of how they can be used in different contexts. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of when to use pretense and when to use pretension.
Define Pretense
Pretense is a noun that refers to the act of giving a false appearance or a false claim. It is an attempt to make something that is not true appear to be true. Pretense is often used to deceive others or to hide one’s true intentions. It can also be used to describe a false or feigned action or behavior.
For example, a person who pretends to be sick to avoid going to work is engaging in pretense. Similarly, a person who pretends to be wealthy by wearing expensive clothes and driving a fancy car is also engaging in pretense.
In literature, pretense is often used as a plot device to create tension or to reveal the true nature of a character. Characters who engage in pretense are often portrayed as deceitful or manipulative.
Define Pretension
Pretension is a noun that refers to the act of claiming or aspiring to something that one is not. It is an exaggerated or inflated sense of self-importance or status. Pretension can also refer to a claim or assertion that is not supported by evidence or reason.
For example, a person who claims to be an expert in a field without any qualifications or experience is engaging in pretension. Similarly, a person who claims to have a higher social status than they actually do is also engaging in pretension.
In literature, pretension is often used to create satire or to criticize societal norms. Characters who engage in pretension are often portrayed as foolish or arrogant.
| Pretense | Pretension |
|---|---|
| False appearance or claim | Exaggerated or inflated sense of self-importance or status |
| Used to deceive or hide intentions | Claim or assertion not supported by evidence or reason |
| Feigned action or behavior |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to using words in a sentence, it’s important to understand their meanings and how they differ from one another. This is especially true for words that are similar in spelling and pronunciation, such as pretense and pretension.
How To Use Pretense In A Sentence
Pretense is a noun that refers to the act of pretending or feigning something. It can also refer to a false show or appearance, especially for the purpose of deceiving others. Here are some examples of how to use pretense in a sentence:
- She put on a pretense of being happy, but I could tell she was really upset.
- The company’s pretense of caring about the environment was exposed as a sham.
- He maintained the pretense of being innocent, but we all knew he was guilty.
As you can see, pretense is used to describe a false or deceptive act or appearance. It is often used in a negative context to describe someone who is trying to deceive others.
How To Use Pretension In A Sentence
Pretension is a noun that refers to a claim or assertion of a particular status or quality, often without justification. It can also refer to an exaggerated sense of self-importance or superiority. Here are some examples of how to use pretension in a sentence:
- His pretension of being a world-renowned expert was quickly debunked.
- She had a pretension of being cultured and sophisticated, but her behavior betrayed her lack of knowledge.
- The politician’s pretensions of being a man of the people were exposed as a fraud.
As you can see, pretension is used to describe a claim or assertion that is not justified or an exaggerated sense of self-importance. It is often used in a negative context to describe someone who is trying to appear more important or knowledgeable than they actually are.
More Examples Of Pretense & Pretension Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the difference between pretense and pretension, let’s take a look at some more examples of how these words can be used in sentences.
Examples Of Using Pretense In A Sentence
- She put on a pretense of being happy even though she was miserable.
- The politician’s pretense of caring about the environment was quickly exposed as a sham.
- He maintained the pretense of being interested in her conversation, even though he was bored out of his mind.
- The company’s pretense of being environmentally friendly was undermined by their continued use of fossil fuels.
- She used the pretense of needing help with her homework as an excuse to spend time with him.
- Their pretense of being a happy family was shattered by their constant bickering.
- He used the pretense of going to the store to sneak away from the party.
- Her pretense of being an expert in the field was quickly exposed as fraudulent.
- Their pretense of being wealthy was undermined by their shabby clothing and run-down house.
- Their pretense of being friends was quickly dispelled by their constant sniping and backbiting.
Examples Of Using Pretension In A Sentence
- His pretension of being a great writer was belied by his lack of originality and poor grammar.
- Their pretension of being cultured was undermined by their lack of knowledge about art or literature.
- She was put off by his pretension of superiority and condescension.
- The company’s pretension of being innovative was exposed as a cover for their lack of new ideas.
- He was annoyed by her pretension of knowing everything about his field of expertise.
- Their pretension of being sophisticated was undercut by their love of lowbrow entertainment.
- She found his pretension of being a ladies’ man to be laughable.
- Their pretension of being experts in the field was exposed as a fraud when they were unable to answer basic questions.
- He was put off by the pretension of the restaurant’s menu, which was full of unfamiliar and pretentious-sounding dishes.
- Their pretension of being cultured and refined was belied by their lack of basic manners.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Using the terms “pretense” and “pretension” interchangeably is a common mistake that many people make. While these two words may seem similar, they have distinct meanings that should not be confused. Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words and how to avoid them:
1. Using “Pretense” When “Pretension” Is Meant
One common mistake is using “pretense” when “pretension” is actually meant. Pretense refers to the act of pretending or feigning, while pretension refers to the act of claiming or aspiring to something. For example, saying “He had a pretense of knowledge about the subject” is incorrect, as it should be “He had a pretension of knowledge about the subject.”
2. Using “Pretension” To Mean “Pretentiousness”
Another common mistake is using “pretension” to mean “pretentiousness.” Pretentiousness refers to the act of showing off or trying to impress others, while pretension refers to the act of claiming or aspiring to something. For example, saying “Her pretension was obvious when she showed off her expensive watch” is incorrect, as it should be “Her pretentiousness was obvious when she showed off her expensive watch.”
3. Confusing The Meanings Of “Pretense” And “Pretend”
Some people also confuse the meanings of “pretense” and “pretend.” Pretense refers to the act of pretending or feigning, while pretend refers to the act of pretending or acting as if something is true. For example, saying “She pretended to be sick, but it was just a pretense” is correct, while saying “She had a pretend illness, but it was just a pretense” is incorrect.
4. Not Understanding The Context Of The Words
Finally, one common mistake is not understanding the context in which the words “pretense” and “pretension” are used. These words can have different meanings depending on the situation in which they are used, so it is important to understand the context before using them.
To avoid making these common mistakes, it is important to understand the meanings of “pretense” and “pretension” and to use them correctly in context. When in doubt, consult a dictionary or grammar guide to ensure that you are using these words correctly.
Context Matters
Choosing between pretense and pretension can depend on the context in which they are used. While both words refer to a form of deception, the nuances of their meanings can shift depending on the situation.
Examples Of Different Contexts
- Social interactions: In social interactions, pretense can refer to putting on a false front to fit in or be liked by others. For example, pretending to enjoy a particular type of music or food to impress a new acquaintance. On the other hand, pretension in social interactions can come across as snobbish or condescending. For instance, using complex vocabulary or name-dropping to assert one’s superiority over others.
- Business: In a business context, pretense can refer to presenting a false image of success or expertise to win clients or investors. For example, exaggerating one’s experience or credentials on a resume or during a pitch. In contrast, pretension in a business context can be seen as unprofessional or arrogant. For instance, insisting on using industry jargon or refusing to listen to feedback from colleagues.
- Art: In the world of art, pretense can refer to creating a false sense of depth or meaning in a work to impress critics or audiences. For example, using obscure references or symbolism that may not actually enhance the piece. Pretension in art can be seen as pretentiousness or a lack of authenticity. For instance, creating work solely for the purpose of gaining attention or fame rather than as a genuine expression of creativity.
Overall, the choice between pretense and pretension can depend on the specific context and the desired outcome. While both can involve deception, pretense can be seen as a more benign form of it, while pretension can come across as arrogant or insincere. It’s important to consider the context and the impact of each word before using it in communication.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using pretense and pretension are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to these rules that are worth noting.
Using Pretense In Place Of Pretension
There are certain situations where using pretense in place of pretension may be acceptable. For example, when referring to a false appearance or deception, pretense is the correct term to use. This is because pretension refers specifically to an exaggerated sense of importance or self-importance, and does not necessarily connote deception.
Example: “She put on a pretense of being happy, even though she was really feeling quite sad.”
Using Pretension In Place Of Pretense
There are also some cases where using pretension in place of pretense may be acceptable. For instance, when referring to a claim or assertion that someone makes about themselves or their abilities, pretension is the correct term to use. This is because pretense does not necessarily connote a claim or assertion.
Example: “His pretension to be an expert in the field was quickly debunked when he could not answer basic questions about the subject.”
Using Both Terms Together
Sometimes, it may be appropriate to use both pretense and pretension together in a single sentence or phrase. This is often done to emphasize the false or exaggerated nature of someone’s claims or actions.
Example: “Her pretense of humility was quickly exposed as pretension when she began bragging about her accomplishments.”
Practice Exercises
Improving your understanding and use of pretense and pretension can be challenging, but with practice, you can become more confident in your ability to use these words effectively. Here are some practice exercises to help you:
Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Word
| Sentence | Correct Word |
|---|---|
| She spoke with such __________ that I couldn’t believe a word she said. | pretense |
| He had a lot of __________, but no real talent. | pretension |
| The actor’s __________ was so convincing that I forgot he was just playing a role. | pretense |
| She had no __________ of ever becoming a doctor, despite what she told everyone. | pretense |
| His __________ was obvious when he bragged about his expensive car. | pretension |
Answer Key:
- Sentence 1 – pretense
- Sentence 2 – pretension
- Sentence 3 – pretense
- Sentence 4 – pretense
- Sentence 5 – pretension
Exercise 2: Use The Correct Word
Complete the following sentences with the correct word:
- His __________ made it difficult for anyone to take him seriously.
- She had no __________ of ever becoming a famous musician.
- The politician’s __________ was obvious when he promised to solve all of the country’s problems in one year.
- She put on a __________ of confidence, but inside she was terrified.
- His __________ was so convincing that he convinced everyone he was a doctor.
Answer Key:
- Sentence 1 – pretension
- Sentence 2 – pretense
- Sentence 3 – pretension
- Sentence 4 – pretense
- Sentence 5 – pretense
By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of pretense and pretension. Remember to pay attention to context and connotation when choosing which word to use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to understand the difference between pretense and pretension. Pretense refers to the act of pretending or feigning, while pretension refers to the act of claiming or aspiring to be something. Both words have their place in the English language, but it is important to use them correctly in order to avoid confusion or misunderstandings.
Throughout this article, we have explored the definitions of pretense and pretension, as well as their usage in various contexts. We have also examined some common mistakes that people make when using these words, and provided tips on how to avoid them.
Key Takeaways
- Pretense refers to the act of pretending or feigning, while pretension refers to the act of claiming or aspiring to be something.
- Both words have their place in the English language, but it is important to use them correctly in order to avoid confusion or misunderstandings.
- When using pretense, be sure to use it in the context of pretending or feigning, rather than as a synonym for pretext or excuse.
- When using pretension, be sure to use it in the context of claiming or aspiring to be something, rather than as a synonym for arrogance or snobbery.
- Always be aware of the connotations and nuances of the words you are using, and choose them carefully based on the context and tone of your writing.
By keeping these key takeaways in mind, you can improve your grammar and language use, and avoid common mistakes that can detract from the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.
We encourage you to continue learning about grammar and language use, and to explore the many resources available to help you improve your writing skills. With practice and dedication, you can become a more effective communicator and a more confident writer.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.