Pretent vs. Pretend — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 29, 2024
"Pretent" is an incorrect spelling. The correct spelling is "Pretend," which means to simulate or feign an action or emotion.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Pretent or Pretend
How to spell Pretend?
Pretent
Incorrect Spelling
Pretend
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
The word “tent” is something you camp in; "pretend" is an action.
Remember the word "end"; it's "pretEND" not "pretENT."
Recall the phrase "let's pretend."
Think of children playing "pretend" games.
Associate it with "intend," which also ends with "end."
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How Do You Spell Pretend Correctly?
Incorrect: Can we pretent it never happened?
Correct: Can we pretend it never happened?
Incorrect: He tried to pretent everything was okay.
Correct: He tried to pretend everything was okay.
Incorrect: She loves to pretent she's a famous singer.
Correct: She loves to pretend she's a famous singer.
Incorrect: The kids like to pretent they are superheroes.
Correct: The kids like to pretend they are superheroes.
Incorrect: She used to pretent she could talk to animals.
Correct: She used to pretend she could talk to animals.
Pretend Definitions
To feign or act as if something is true when it's not.
He pretended he wasn't hurt to appear strong.
To imitate or mimic for amusement.
Children love to pretend they're animals.
To claim falsely or deceitfully.
He pretended to have credentials he didn't possess.
To give a false appearance of; feign
"You had to pretend conformity while privately pursuing high and dangerous nonconformism" (Anthony Burgess).
To claim or allege insincerely or falsely
Doesn't pretend to be an expert.
To represent fictitiously in play; make believe
Pretended they were on a cruise.
To take upon oneself; venture
I cannot pretend to say that you are wrong.
To feign an action or character, as in play.
To lay claim
Pretends to gourmet tastes.
Imitation; make-believe
Pretend money.
Pretend pearls.
To claim, to allege, especially when falsely or as a form of deliberate deception.
To feign, affect (a state, quality, etc.).
To lay claim to (an ability, status, advantage, etc.). (originally used without to)
To make oneself appear to do or be doing something; to engage in make-believe.
To hold before, or put forward, as a cloak or disguise for something else; to exhibit as a veil for something hidden.
To intend; to design, to plot; to attempt.
To hold before one; to extend.
Not really what it is represented as being; imaginary, feigned.
As children we used to go on "spying" missions around the neighbour's house, but it was all pretend.
The act of engaging in pretend play.
To lay a claim to; to allege a title to; to claim.
Chiefs shall be grudged the part which they pretend.
To hold out, or represent, falsely; to put forward, or offer, as true or real (something untrue or unreal); to show hypocritically, or for the purpose of deceiving; to simulate; to feign; as, to pretend friendship.
This let him know,Lest, willfully transgressing, he pretendSurprisal.
To intend; to design; to plot; to attempt.
Such as shall pretendMalicious practices against his state.
To put in, or make, a claim, truly or falsely; to allege a title; to lay claim to, or strive after, something; - usually with to.
For to what fine he would anon pretend,That know I well.
To hold out the appearance of being, possessing, or performing; to profess; to make believe; to feign; to sham; as, to pretend to be asleep.
The enactment of a pretense;
It was just pretend
Make believe with the intent to deceive;
He feigned that he was ill
He shammed a headache
Behave unnaturally or affectedly;
She's just acting
Put forward a claim and assert right or possession of;
Pretend the title of King
Put forward, of a guess, in spite of possible refutation;
I am guessing that the price of real estate will rise again
I cannot pretend to say that you are wrong
Represent fictitiously, as in a play, or pretend to be or act like;
She makes like an actress
State insincerely;
He professed innocence but later admitted his guilt
She pretended not to have known the suicide bomber
She pretends to be an expert on wine
Imagined as in a play;
The make-believe world of theater
Play money
Dangling their legs in the water to catch pretend fish
To make believe or simulate an action or emotion.
She would pretend to be a teacher during playtime.
To assume an appearance or character.
The actor pretended to be a historical figure for the role.
Pretend Meaning in a Sentence
When I was young, I would pretend I was an astronaut.
Let's pretend we're on a secret mission.
They often pretend they're in a magical kingdom.
Can you pretend you're a dinosaur?
Pretend you're a wizard with magical powers.
The children like to pretend they're exploring a jungle.
Pretend you're a pirate searching for treasure.
For a moment, let's pretend that we're famous.
Can we pretend it's my birthday today?
Pretend you're a knight defending your castle.
Let's pretend we're on a TV show.
Pretend you've discovered a new planet.
Pretend Idioms & Phrases
Pretend to be
To act as if one is someone or something else.
He loves to pretend to be a famous singer.
Pretend not to see/hear/understand
To intentionally ignore or act unaware of something.
She pretended not to see the mess they made.
Playing pretend
The act of engaging in imaginative role-play.
The children spent the afternoon playing pretend.
Pretend to oneself
To lie to oneself or deny the truth.
She pretended to herself that everything was fine.
Let's pretend
An invitation to engage in imaginative play.
Let's pretend we're in a world where animals can talk.
Pretend friend
An imaginary friend created by a child.
My daughter talks about her pretend friend all the time.
Make pretend
To engage in imaginative play or create a fantasy.
Kids love to make pretend they're adults with jobs.
Pretend play
A type of play where children use their imagination to create scenarios.
Pretend play is crucial for a child's development.
Beyond pretend
Something that is beyond just make-believe, often more serious or real.
His kindness was beyond pretend, truly genuine.
All pretend
Something that is only make-believe or not real.
The story was all pretend, but it was fun to believe for a while.
Common Curiosities
What is the pronunciation of Pretend?
It's pronounced as /prɪˈtɛnd/.
What is the root word of Pretend?
The root word is from the Latin "praetendere."
Which conjunction is used with Pretend?
Any conjunction can be used, depending on the sentence structure.
Why is it called Pretend?
Derived from Latin "praetendere," meaning to "stretch forth, assert," it came to mean simulate or feign in English.
Which vowel is used before Pretend?
Typically, the indefinite article "to" precedes verbs. If used as a noun form, "a" might be used.
What is the singular form of Pretend?
"Pretend" as a verb doesn't have singular or plural, but as a noun, it is "pretend."
What is the plural form of Pretend?
Rarely used as a noun, but if so, "pretends."
Is Pretend an adverb?
No, it is not an adverb.
What is the verb form of Pretend?
The verb form is "pretend."
Which article is used with Pretend?
Both "a" and "the" can be used.
Is the word Pretend imperative?
It can be used in an imperative sense, e.g., "Pretend you didn't see that!"
Which preposition is used with Pretend?
Common prepositions include "to" and "as."
Is Pretend a countable noun?
If used as a noun, it's typically uncountable.
Is Pretend a vowel or consonant?
"Pretend" is a word containing both vowels and consonants.
Is the Pretend term a metaphor?
It can be used metaphorically in context.
Is the word “Pretend” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
Depending on context, it can function as either.
How do we divide Pretend into syllables?
Pre-tend.
What part of speech is Pretend?
It is primarily a verb.
What is the opposite of Pretend?
Be genuine or be authentic.
Is the word Pretend a Gerund?
"Pretending" is the gerund form.
What is another term for Pretend?
Feign, simulate, or imitate.
What is the first form of Pretend?
Pretend.
What is the second form of Pretend?
Pretended.
What is the third form of Pretend?
Pretended.
Is Pretend a noun or adjective?
Primarily a verb, but can be used as a noun in specific contexts.
How many syllables are in Pretend?
There are two syllables.
Is Pretend an abstract noun?
If used as a noun, it can be considered abstract.
Is Pretend a negative or positive word?
Neutral, but context can influence the perception.
Is Pretend a collective noun?
No, it's not a collective noun.
What is a stressed syllable in Pretend?
The second syllable, "tend," is stressed.
Which determiner is used with Pretend?
Common determiners include "this," "that," and "my."
How is Pretend used in a sentence?
"He would often pretend to be a pilot while playing with his toys."
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.