Meaning of Pretend
In simple words: to act as if something is true, even if it isn't
Pretend in a sentence
- Children often pretend to be superheroes during playtime.
- He decided to pretend he was not interested in the conversation.
- She pretended to be happy even though she was sad.
- Don't pretend you didn't see the mistake in your report.
- In the game, players pretend to be pirates searching for treasure.
How to use Pretend
Use 'pretend' when discussing acting or imagining. It's neutral and avoids negative connotations. Not suitable for serious or formal topics.
Grammar pattern
pretend + (to) + action
Memory hint
Sounds like 'pretend-a' — imagine kids pretending to be superheroes.
Related words
Collocations with Pretend
Common mistakes with Pretend
- Mixing up with 'pretence' which is a noun.
- Using 'pretend' without a subject, missing the actor.
- Confusing past forms: 'pretended' vs. 'pretend'.
Pretend appears in
Pretend in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
يتظاهر
أن يتصرف كما لو أن شيئًا ما صحيح، حتى لو لم يكن كذلك
- Bengaliবাংলা
ভান করা, ভান করা
এমন ভান করা যেন কিছু সত্যি, যদিও তা নয়
- GermanDeutsch
Vortäuschen, so tun als ob
so tun, als ob etwas wahr wäre, auch wenn es das nicht ist
- SpanishEspañol
Pretender
actuar como si algo fuera cierto, aunque no lo sea
- Persianفارسی
وانمود کردن، تظاهر کردن
طوری رفتار کردن انگار چیزی واقعی است، حتی اگر نباشد
- FrenchFrançais
Faire semblant
agir comme si quelque chose était vrai, même si ce n'est pas le cas
- Hindiहिन्दी
ढोंग करना
ऐसा दिखावा करना जैसे कुछ सच है, भले ही वह न हो
- ItalianItaliano
Fingere, Fare finta
Agire come se qualcosa fosse vero, anche se non lo è
- PortuguesePortuguês
Fingir
agir como se algo fosse verdade, mesmo que não seja
- RussianРусский
Притворяться, делать вид
вести себя так, как будто что-то правда, даже если это не так
- Urduاردو
بہروپ بننا، دکھانا
ایسا دکھانا جیسے کوئی چیز سچ ہو، حالانکہ وہ نہیں ہے
- Chinese中文
假装
表现得好像某事是真的,即使它不是
More words like Pretend
- Simulate
- ActA2
to do something for a particular purpose or in order to deal with a situation
- AbandonB2
To leave someone or something and never return to them.
- AbilityA2
the fact that somebody/something is able to do something
- AbleA2
having the skill, intelligence, opportunity, etc. needed to do something
- AbroadA2
In or to a country that is not one's own.
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Frequently asked questions about Pretend
What does Pretend mean?
to act as if something is true, even if it isn't
What is the definition of Pretend?
to behave in a particular way, in order to make other people believe something that is not true
How do you use Pretend in a sentence?
Children often pretend to be superheroes during playtime.
Can you give another example of Pretend?
He decided to pretend he was not interested in the conversation.
What are synonyms for Pretend?
Common alternatives include simulate, feign, act, imposter, masquerade.
What is the opposite of Pretend?
Opposite meanings include be honest, reveal.
What words go with Pretend?
It commonly pairs with otherwise, at least, just, can no longer, try to, be dishonest to, to, go on pretending, just pretending, only pretending.
What are common mistakes when using Pretend?
Mixing up with 'pretence' which is a noun. Using 'pretend' without a subject, missing the actor. Confusing past forms: 'pretended' vs. 'pretend'.
How do you pronounce Pretend?
US: /["/prɪˈtend/","/prɪˈtendz/","/prɪˈtendɪd/","/prɪˈtendɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/prɪˈtend/","/prɪˈtendz/","/prɪˈtendɪd/","/prɪˈtendɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Pretend?
Use 'pretend' when discussing acting or imagining. It's neutral and avoids negative connotations. Not suitable for serious or formal topics.
What CEFR level is Pretend?
"Pretend" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.











