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Definition of pretentiously

pretentiously

/prɪˈtɛn.ʃəs.li/
pre · ten · tious · ly
Adjective:pretentious
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pretentiously Lexical Profile

pretentiously Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a manner that attempts to impress others by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, or sophistication than is actually possessed.

Example

"He spoke pretentiously about obscure foreign films he had never actually watched."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for pretentiously

• Nearby Words

pretense
pretension
pretentious
pretentiously
pretentiousness
preterm
pretest

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the adjective 'pretentious' and the adverbial suffix '-ly', tracing back through French 'prétentieux' to the Medieval Latin 'praetentiosus', ultimately from Latin 'praetendere' ('to stretch forward' or 'to allege').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pretentiously. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pretentiously
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