pretentious

[ pri-ten-shuhs ]

adjective

1. characterized by assumption of dignity or importance, especially when exaggerated or undeserved:

   a pretentious, self-important waiter.

   Synonyms: pompous

2. making an exaggerated outward show; ostentatious.

   Synonyms: showy

3. full of pretense or pretension; having no factual basis; false.

pretentious

/ prɪˈtɛnʃəs /

adjective

1. making claim to distinction or importance, esp undeservedly
2. having or creating a deceptive outer appearance of great worth; ostentatious

Derived Forms

• preˈtentiously, adverb
• preˈtentiousness, noun

Other Words From

• pre·tentious·ly adverb
• pre·tentious·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pretentious¹

First recorded in 1835–45; earlier pretensious; equivalent to pretense + -ious

Synonym Study

See bombastic. See grandiose.

Related Words

• arty
• exaggerated
• grandiose
• hollow
• overblown
• pompous
• showy
• stilted
• turgid