Pretense
/prɪˈtɛns/noun
An attempt to make something that is not the case appear true.
Did you know?In medieval times, 'pretense' was often linked to the idea of deceit in courtly settings, where appearances were everything and truth was a rare commodity.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
praetendere
“to stretch forth, to put forth, to claim”
Old French
Old French
pretenir
“to maintain, to assert, to claim”
Middle English
Middle English
pretens
“a claim or assertion, often one not substantiated”
Modern English
English
pretense
“the act of pretending or making something false appear true”