pretence

[ pri-tens, pree-tens ]

noun

, British.

1. variant of pretense.

pretence

/ prɪˈtɛns /

noun

1. the act of pretending
2. a false display; affectation
3. a claim, esp a false one, to a right, title, or distinction
4. make-believe or feigning
5. a false claim or allegation; pretext
6. a less common word for pretension

Example Sentences

Ahsan and Mr Marshall had travelled together to Urmston, under the pretence of seeing someone near Manor Park, Greater Manchester Police said.

From BBC

The authorities refused to admit that he had been killed, maintaining the pretence that he had been sent to Zimbabwe for medical treatment, while they worked out what to do next.

From BBC

The Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, told the hearing that some children from as young as two years old were separated from their families and instructed to work under the pretence of "practical training".

From BBC

He provided a flat in Park Lane, central London, for her to stay in on the pretence that she wouldn't have to travel home alone late at night.

From BBC

The Scottish Conservatives said Mr Swinney had "abandoned any pretence that he is a fresh start" and accused him of making a "desperate defence of the SNP's dreadful record in government".

From BBC