Pretense, noun, refers to the act of pretending or creating a false appearance to deceive others or to hide one's true feelings or intentions. It involves presenting oneself or something in a misleading or deceptive manner. It can also denote a make-believe or fictitious scenario. The word is derived from the Latin word "praetensus," meaning "extended."
In social contexts, pretense often involves putting on a false façade, pretending to be something or someone that one is not, to gain an advantage or avoid detection. It can be seen as a form of deception or deceit, involving deliberately misleading others or concealing one's true self or motives. Pretense is commonly observed in various settings, such as social interactions, politics, business, or even in personal relationships.
A pretense can be conveyed through actions, words, or gestures, where someone feigns a particular demeanor or character, pretending to possess qualities or feelings they do not genuinely possess. It can also involve adopting a false identity or role in order to manipulate others or to avoid consequences.
Furthermore, pretense can also refer to the act of creating a fictional or imaginative scenario, playing out a situation or story that is not real. This form of pretense is often observed in children during pretend play, where they engage in make-believe activities or assume imaginary roles.
Overall, pretense involves fabricating a false appearance or pretending in various ways, either to deceive others, hide one's true self, manipulate situations, or engage in playful imitations of reality.
