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pretentiousattempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed

Pronunciation (IPA): /prɪˈtenʃəs/

Korean meaning: 실제보다 더 중요하고 재능 있고 교양 있는 척하는, 허세 부리는

Korean pronunciation: 프리**텐**셔스

Example Sentences

  • The coffee shop's pretentious menu had items like 'artisanal foam meditation' for $15.
  • He thought quoting Shakespeare would make him sound intelligent, but it just came across as pretentious.
  • The movie was so pretentious that even the popcorn felt overdressed.

pretentious

ADJECTIVE

//prɪˈtenʃəs//

attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed

pretentious concept
💡 Concept

Showing off fake sophistication

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pretentious rhyme
🎵 Rhyme

The pretentious critic grows contentious, while the guard stays conscientious

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/prɪˈtenʃəs/
🇬🇧 UK/prɪˈtenʃəs/

🌳Etymology

Prefixpre--
Roottent
Suffix--ious

Origin

From Latin 'praetentiosus', derived from 'praetendere' meaning 'to stretch before' or 'to claim falsely', combining 'prae-' (before) and 'tendere' (to stretch or extend).

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🎵Rhyme

contentiousconscientious
contentious
conscientious

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📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The coffee shop's pretentious menu had items like 'artisanal foam meditation' for $15.

He thought quoting Shakespeare would make him sound intelligent, but it just came across as pretentious.

😄 Fun example

The movie was so pretentious that even the popcorn felt overdressed.

She avoided pretentious language when explaining complex theories to her students.

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📚Related Words

Synonyms

pompousostentatiousaffectedgrandioseshowy

Antonyms

modesthumbleunpretentious

Related

arrogantconceitedsnobbishboastful