Transcription
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [pri-ten-shuh s]
- /prɪˈtɛn ʃəs/
- /prɪˈten.ʃəs/
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [pri-ten-shuh s]
- /prɪˈtɛn ʃəs/
Definitions of pretentious word
- adjective pretentious characterized by assumption of dignity or importance, especially when exaggerated or undeserved: a pretentious, self-important waiter. 1
- adjective pretentious making an exaggerated outward show; ostentatious. 1
- adjective pretentious full of pretense or pretension; having no factual basis; false. 1
- adjective pretentious person: trying to impress 1
- adjective pretentious intended to impress 1
- adjective pretentious If you say that someone or something is pretentious, you mean that they try to seem important or significant, but you do not think that they are. 0
Information block about the term
Origin of pretentious
First appearance:
before 1835 One of the 34% newest English words
1835-45; earlier pretensious. See pretense, -ious
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Pretentious
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
pretentious popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 90% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".
pretentious usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for pretentious
adj pretentious
- airish — given to putting on airs.
- alembicated — (of a literary style) excessively refined; precious
- ambitious — Someone who is ambitious has a strong desire to be successful, rich, or powerful.
- arrogant — Someone who is arrogant behaves in a proud, unpleasant way towards other people because they believe that they are more important than others.
- artsy — Artsy means the same as arty.
adjective pretentious
- assuming — You use assuming or assuming that when you are considering a possible situation or event, so that you can think about the consequences.
- euphuistic — Of or pertaining to euphuism.
- exaggerated — That has been described as greater than it actually is; abnormally increased or enlarged.
- exalted — (of a person or their rank or status) placed at a high or powerful level; held in high regard.
- exhibitionistic — Having a tendency toward exhibitionism.
Antonyms for pretentious
adj pretentious
- artless — Someone who is artless is simple and honest, and does not think of deceiving other people.
- cast down — If someone is cast down by something, they are sad or worried because of it.
- down home — of, relating to, or exhibiting the simple, familiar, or folksy qualities associated with one's family or with rural areas, especially of the southern U.S.: down-home cooking; down-home hospitality.
- easy going — calm and unworried; relaxed and rather casual: an easygoing person.
- easy-going — calm and unworried; relaxed and rather casual: an easygoing person.
adjective pretentious
- humble — not proud or arrogant; modest: to be humble although successful.
- inelaborate — Not elaborate; crude; unfinished.
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See also
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