Pretension
/prɪˈtɛn.ʃən/noun
A claim or assertion, especially one that is not supported by evidence.
Did you know?The word 'pretension' has roots in the Latin 'praetendere', meaning to stretch out or claim, often associated with deceit and illusion.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
praetendere
“To stretch forth, claim, or pretend.”
Old French
Old French
pretensio
“An assertion or claim, often carrying a sense of deceit.”
Middle English
Middle English
pretencioun
“The act of claiming or asserting something.”
Modern English
English
pretension
“A claim or assertion, often regarded as insincere or exaggerated.”