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Definition of pretentiousness

pretentiousness

/prɪˈtɛn.ʃəs.nəs/
pre · ten · tious · ness
Adverb:pretentiously
•
Adjective:pretentious
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pretentiousness Lexical Profile

pretentiousness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of attempting to impress others by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, or sophistication than is actually possessed.

Example

"The critic praised the director for tackling complex philosophical themes without a trace of pretentiousness."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for pretentiousness

• Nearby Words

pretension
pretentious
pretentiously
pretentiousness
preterm
pretest
pretext

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century from the adjective 'pretentious' plus the native English suffix '-ness'. 'Pretentious' was borrowed from French 'prétentieux', ultimately tracing back to the Latin verb 'praetendere' ('to stretch forth' or 'to put forward as a claim').

Cite this Entry

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