PRETENTIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Pretentions, as a plural noun, refer to the perceived qualities, aspirations, or intentions that someone claims or presents themselves to possess in order to appear more important, sophisticated, or knowledgeable than they actually are. It denotes an attitude or behavior of pretense, often involving an exaggerated sense of self-worth or achievement coupled with an inclination to boast or display superiority.
Someone with pretentions may exhibit behavior characterized by pretense, arrogance, or delusions of grandeur in an attempt to gain recognition or admiration from others. This could manifest in various forms such as adopting an affected speech or mannerism, flaunting possessions or affiliations, or name-dropping prominent individuals. Pretentions can often be seen as a mark of insecurity, stemming from an individual's desire to impress others or compensate for feelings of inadequacy.
The term "pretentions" can be used to describe both individuals and their actions. It captures the idea of a discrepancy between the image one tries to project and the reality. For example, someone may claim to have extensive knowledge in a particular field, yet their actual understanding or expertise is minimal or nonexistent. Such pretentious behavior can often lead to skepticism or mistrust from others who perceive the hypocrisy or insincerity in the individual's actions.
Overall, pretentions can be seen as an artificial facade constructed by individuals to elevate their social standing, often through exaggeration, self-promotion, or false claims, concealing their true selves in the process.
Common Misspellings for PRETENTIONS
- pretensious
- pretencious
- oretentions
- lretentions
- 0retentions
- peetentions
- pdetentions
- pfetentions
- ptetentions
- p5etentions
- p4etentions
- prwtentions
- prstentions
- prdtentions
- prrtentions
- pr4tentions
- pr3tentions
- preyentions
- pre5entions
- pretwntions
Etymology of PRETENTIONS
The word "pretentions" has its etymology rooted in the adjective "pretentious".
The term "pretentious" originated from the Latin word "praetensus", which means "stretched out" or "extended". This Latin word was formed by combining "praeter" (beyond) and "tensus" (stretched) to convey the idea of reaching beyond what is considered genuine or authentic.
Over time, "pretentious" evolved in English to describe someone or something that claims or aspires to be more important, impressive, or sophisticated than they actually are. It carries a negative connotation, indicating an exaggerated or ostentatious display of importance, talent, knowledge, etc.
From the adjective "pretentious", the noun form "pretentions" is derived.
Similar spelling words for PRETENTIONS
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