verb
pretend
pruh-TEHND
verb
1
To act as if something is true or real when it isn't, in order to deceive or as part of play.
"The kids pretended the sofa was a pirate ship."
"She pretended not to notice the mistake in his report."
adj
1
Not genuine; imaginary or made up as part of a game.
"They set up a pretend shop with fake money and toy groceries."
How to Use Pretend
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo act like something is true or real, either playfully or to fool someone.
Common pairings
pretend to be
let's pretend
pretend play
Word Forms
pretended past tense, pretends singular
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Etymology
From Latin praetendere, "to hold out in front, put forward as a cover" — from prae- ("before") + tendere ("to stretch").