pretend (A2)
verb
Pronunciation: /prɪˈtend/
Definition
To act as if something is true when it is not; to make believe.
Examples
The children pretended to be pirates on the playground.
He pretended to be asleep when his mom came in.
She pretended that she didn't see the mess she made.
How to Use pretend
- pretend to be (prepositional phrase)
- To act as if one is a specific person or thing. — "She pretended to be a doctor to get attention."
- pretend that (prepositional phrase)
- To act as if a certain situation or fact is true. — "They pretended that they had not heard the news."
- pretend to + infinitive (prepositional phrase)
- To act as if one is doing something, when one is not. — "He pretended to read the book but was looking at his phone."
Synonyms of pretend
Words with a similar meaning to pretend:
Antonyms of pretend
Words with the opposite meaning to pretend:
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