PRETENTIOUSNESS Meaning and
Definition
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Pretentiousness is a noun that refers to the quality or behavior of someone who tries to appear more important, impressive, or sophisticated than they actually are. It encompasses an inflated sense of self-importance, an exaggerated display of wealth, knowledge, or talent, and an ostentatious attempt to impress others. People who exhibit pretentiousness often engage in conspicuous consumption or showy acts to gain recognition or admiration from others.
Individuals displaying pretentiousness act in a manner that can be characterized as over-the-top or affected, often making grandiose claims or using complex, convoluted language to embellish their image. This behavior may manifest in various contexts, such as social interactions, professional settings, or artistic pursuits. Pretentiousness can be seen as an attempt to create an illusion of superiority or exclusivity, casting a façade that reflects a person's desire to be esteemed, important, or unique.
However, the pretentiousness has negative connotations and is generally viewed unfavorably by others. It is often seen as superficial, insincere, or trying too hard to impress, leading others to perceive the person as disingenuous or fake. The pretentious behavior can create distance or alienation among individuals due to the perceived arrogance or snobbery associated with it.
In summary, pretentiousness refers to the quality or behavior of people who attempt to appear more important, sophisticated, or impressive than they genuinely are, often through grandiose claims, ostentatious displays, or affected manners.
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The quality of being pretentious.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for PRETENTIOUSNESS *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for PRETENTIOUSNESS
- oretentiousness
- lretentiousness
- -retentiousness
- 0retentiousness
- peetentiousness
- pdetentiousness
- pfetentiousness
- ptetentiousness
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- p4etentiousness
- prwtentiousness
- prstentiousness
- prdtentiousness
- prrtentiousness
- pr4tentiousness
- pr3tentiousness
- prerentiousness
- pretentiousnes
- pretentionsness
- preteciousness
- pretansiousness
Etymology of PRETENTIOUSNESS
The word "pretentiousness" originates from the Middle English term "pretensioun", deriving from the Latin word "praetensus", which means "to stretch before". In the 15th century, this term began to be used to describe actions of exaggerating, pretending, or making false claims. Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of claimants who seek to impress or gain recognition by presenting themselves as more important, talented, or knowledgeable than they actually are. Therefore, the etymology of "pretentiousness" is rooted in the concept of stretching the truth or making grandiose statements in order to appear superior or more accomplished.
Similar spelling word for PRETENTIOUSNESS
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