Pretenses

The plural form of 'pretense,' which refers to a false claim or show of something, especially a feeling, attitude, or quality. It often involves concealing the true nature or state of something behind a deceptive appearance. pretenses can be used to deceive, mislead, or manipulate others, or to avoid revealing one's true intentions, beliefs, or weaknesses. They can range from minor social fabrications to elaborate schemes designed to conceal significant truths. The use of pretenses frequently implies a degree of artificiality and a lack of genuine honesty.

Pretenses meaning with examples

• Her cheerful demeanor was merely a pretense to hide her profound sadness. Beneath the surface, she struggled with immense grief, putting on a brave face for the world. This act of pretending helped her get through difficult days, offering a temporary shield from the emotional turmoil that threatened to overwhelm her. Ultimately, this constant pretense was emotionally exhausting, causing her to withdraw more.
• The company's commitment to environmental responsibility was revealed as a hollow pretense when they were caught dumping toxic waste. Their public image, carefully crafted to portray eco-friendliness, masked a blatant disregard for the environment and the health of the community. This exposed the depth of their deception, leading to outrage and calls for stricter regulations. The pretense was intended to gain public trust.
• He used the pretense of seeking help with a project to get closer to her, masking his romantic intentions. His elaborate charade, involving shared lunches and late-night calls, gradually revealed his ulterior motives. She eventually saw through his pretense, rejecting his advances and calling him out. His deception was a means to an end.
• The politician's sudden shift in ideology was a pretense aimed at garnering votes from a different demographic. His previous stance directly conflicted with his new one, highlighting the insincerity of his claims. This strategic move was designed to create a sense of unity and compromise, ultimately attempting to manipulate the voting public. This pretense was criticized heavily.
• She maintained the pretense of being fine, even though her health was failing. This was to avoid burdening others with her concerns and also to maintain a sense of dignity. Her pretense of strength was a testament to her resilience and self-reliance, and to the values that she had lived by her entire life. However, this eventually took its toll, and she could no longer hide her illness.