Pretension

Pretension is the act of claiming or behaving in a way that implies the possession of qualities, talent, or importance that one does not genuinely have. It often involves an artificial display or facade intended to impress others. It can manifest as affected language, exaggerated gestures, or the adoption of characteristics deemed superior by the individual. Ultimately, pretension stems from a desire to appear more than one actually is, revealing a lack of authenticity and confidence.

Pretension meaning with examples

• His use of obscure vocabulary in casual conversation was pure pretension; he simply wanted to sound intellectual, even if it meant using words incorrectly. He would often hold court in the coffee shop with verbose anecdotes about philosophy, when clearly his knowledge barely scratched the surface. It was a classic case of attempting to appear smarter than he actually was.
• The artist's work was filled with visual pretension. Although the shapes and colors were chaotic, there were long, flowing phrases from the artist's perspective that it represented something profound that left viewers mystified, ultimately leaving audiences cold and confused. The elaborate statements about hidden meanings just seemed like a cover for the lack of substance in the paintings.
• The young author’s pretentious social media posts detailed his daily consumption of bespoke coffee and artisanal bread. He would then write cryptic and philosophical posts to establish himself as an intellectual, yet his writing was often superficial. This constant display of perceived sophistication served to conceal the fact that his literary efforts were still in their infancy.
• Her affected accent and lavish descriptions of her 'fabulous' life during her last vacation was filled with pretension. She went to great lengths to make it seem as though she was part of a higher social class. The truth was her trip was on a budget, and she had a common background, which became clear to her friends when they questioned her further.
• The aspiring actor's constant name-dropping of famous directors and exaggerated tales of auditions and close calls reeked of pretension. Despite never landing a significant role, he spun elaborate narratives to create the illusion of success, and even fame. The more he talked, the more transparent his lack of genuine accomplishment became.