pretension

¹

[ pri-ten-shuhn ]

noun

1. the laying of a claim to something.

   Synonyms: profession, assertion

2. a claim or title to something.
3. Often pretensions. a claim made, especially indirectly or by implication, to some quality, merit, or the like:

   They laughed at my pretensions to superior judgment.

4. a claim to dignity, importance, or merit.
5. pretentiousness.

   Synonyms: pretense, airs, affectation

6. the act of pretending or alleging.
7. an allegation of doubtful veracity.
8. a pretext.

   Synonyms: excuse

pretension

²

[ pree-ten-shuhn ]

verb (used with object)

1. (in prestressed-concrete construction) to apply tension to (reinforcing strands) before the concrete is poured; prestress. Compare posttension ( def 1 ).
2. to make (a concrete member) with pretensioned reinforcement.

pretension

/ prɪˈtɛnʃən /

noun

1. often plural a false or unsupportable claim, esp to merit, worth, or importance
2. a specious or unfounded allegation; pretext
3. the state or quality of being pretentious

Word History and Origins

Origin of pretension¹

First recorded in 1400–50; from Medieval Latin praetēnsiōn- (stem of praetēnsiō ); pretense, -ion

Origin of pretension²

First recorded in 1935–40; pre- + tension

Example Sentences

We understood that conservative racism often hides behind pious professions of color-blindness and pretensions that the only "color" that should matter is dollar green.

From Salon

It’s a superficial film about a superficial world and, like its protagonist, it’s got no pretensions of anything more.

From Los Angeles Times

And it distorts sincere efforts to re-focus our race lenses against pious conservative pretensions to color blindness that conceal monstrous injustices.

From Salon

The film within the film, which occupies an entire episode, allows for some familiar jabs at Hollywood types, practices and pretensions — and the less familiar plight of the Asian actor.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, for a person with pretensions of being a rival for Red Bull, Wolff's was a pretty bleak assessment after the fourth race, getting on for the quarter-way point of the championship.

From BBC

Related Words

• conceit
• hypocrisy
• pomposity
• snobbery