make-believe

American  

[meyk-bi-leev] / ˈmeɪk bɪˌliv /

noun

1. pretense, especially of an innocent or playful kind; playacting; fantasy.

   the make-believe of children playing.

2. a pretender; a person who pretends.

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adjective

1. pretended; feigned; imaginary; made-up; unreal.

   a make-believe world of fantasy.

make believe British  

verb

1. to pretend or enact a fantasy

   the children made believe they were doctors

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noun

1. 1. a fantasy, pretence, or unreality

   2. ( as modifier )

      a make-believe world

2. a person who pretends

make believe Idioms  

1. Pretend, as in Let's make believe we're elves. This expression in effect means making oneself believe in an illusion. [Early 1700s]

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Etymology

Origin of make-believe

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

Rousseau’s make-believe world, beautifully abundant, unfolds like a series of enchanting though dramatic dioramas in the last gallery.

From The Wall Street Journal

If Linda Klein really thinks about it, her Hollywood ambitions took root when she was 6, playing make-believe in her big brass bed: “I was wanting to be on TV ... so dreams do come true.”

From Los Angeles Times

I’m not brave enough to say it to his face, so I’ll say it in a make-believe breakup scene.

From Los Angeles Times

Not the make-believe, cities-overrun violence that has led to the military in our streets, but real, targeted political violence that has crept into society with increasing frequency.

From Los Angeles Times

He described his testimony as “make-believe” and “stories they wanted to hear.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fictional
• imaginary
• simulated