Pretends

The verb 'pretends' signifies the act of behaving in a way that is not genuine or true. It involves simulating feelings, actions, or beliefs, often with the intention to deceive, amuse, or avoid something undesirable. It's a conscious choice to create an illusion or a false impression. This can range from playfully feigning surprise to seriously fabricating an identity. The degree of deception and the motivation behind it vary considerably, spanning from harmless role-playing to elaborate schemes. When someone 'pretends,' they deliberately diverge from their actual state or character, engaging in a form of performance, either for a specific audience or for themselves. It may be used to gain advantages, influence people, or avoid consequences. The act of pretending requires a level of awareness and control over one's behavior, shaping it to fit the desired narrative.

Pretends meaning with examples

• The child pretends to be a superhero, leaping from the sofa and making whooshing sounds as they battle imaginary villains. It is a form of creative play, allowing the child to explore different roles and scenarios within the safety of their own imagination and a learning exercise to prepare for real life.
• To avoid hurting his friend's feelings, he pretends to enjoy the terrible movie they watched together. He might not want to start an argument or damage their relationship, so instead he feigns positive reactions and offers supportive comments about the movie's poor production quality.
• The actor pretends to be a king, wearing a costume, speaking in a regal voice, and embodying the character's authority on stage. This performance is designed to convince an audience that the actor *is* the character. They transform themselves during the act of entertaining.
• She pretends to be busy at work to avoid having to socialize with her colleagues. She might feign intense focus on her computer screen or take on extra tasks to give the appearance that she is working, rather than participate in social events.