Pretencioso

Pretencioso (Spanish/Portuguese) describes someone who claims or aspires to be more important, talented, or knowledgeable than they actually are, often displaying an ostentatious or affected manner. They frequently employ exaggerated language, behaviors, or displays of wealth to impress others, often leading to a perception of artificiality or insincerity. The word emphasizes a desire for recognition or admiration that surpasses genuine merit. This trait often manifests in a person's speech, style, or the activities they engage in, with the intention of appearing superior, even when it's not warranted, showcasing an unwarranted air of self-importance.

Pretencioso meaning with examples

• During the art gallery opening, Ricardo, known for his extravagant attire, engaged in a pretencioso discussion about abstract expressionism, despite confessing later he barely understood it. His elaborate explanations, filled with complex vocabulary, served only to show off and impress the other guests. He aimed to project an image of sophistication, but his actions and opinions appeared shallow and superficial.
• The restaurant's service was often seen as a pretentious attempt to create an exclusive atmosphere. The staff's formal greetings and the intricate descriptions of dishes made the dining experience more about status than authentic enjoyment. The diners generally felt pressured by the staff's overly detailed explanations, making many customers uncomfortable and making it seem less about the food and more about perceived prestige.
• Even though the documentary focused on the everyday lives of a small village, the film was widely criticized as being pretentious. The filmmakers over-stylized it, making it more artistic than necessary, and their use of dramatic music and slow-motion shots seemed more focused on their own perceived artistic genius rather than representing the real lives of the people they filmed.
• Isabella, a young writer, adopted a pretentious writing style for her first novel. The use of obscure vocabulary and convoluted sentence structures overshadowed the story and distracted the readers. Although she aspired to write a masterpiece, her pretension hindered the clarity of the narrative and made it difficult for the audience to relate to the story or characters.