Pronunciations (3)
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/pɹɪˈtɛn.ʃəs/
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/pɹɪˈtɛn.t͡ʃəs/
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pɹɪˈtɛnʃəs
Pronunciation notes
- GB
Adjective
Motivated by an inappropriate, excessive, or unjustified desire to impress others.
- Examples
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Her dress was obviously more pretentious than comfortable.
More examples (1)
I recall the height of comfort attained by the green-cushioned "first" with starched white antimacassars and a pretentious grey floor mat on which it seemed a sacrilege to stand, as it was embellished with the North Western conception of Britannia, complete with trident.
Marked by an unwarranted claim to importance or distinction.
- Examples
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Their song titles are pretentious in the context of their basic lyrics.
More examples (1)
The station (1840) was originally Cheltenham but the more grandiose Cheltenham Spa since 1925, which feels a bit pretentious as the town has never allowed itself to assume such airs and graces.
Marked by pretense (not necessarily false pretense); intent upon success; ambitious.
Usage- Obsolete
- Examples
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More examples (1)
... the first definite and pretentious attempt to make the wardrobe trunk a commercial possibility ... The new trunk would be exploited direct to the traveling public, and he had the means for a pretentious start.
Adjective
making claim to or creating an appearance of (often undeserved) importance or distinction
- Antonyms
- Examples
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a pretentious country house
a pretentious fraud
More examples (1)
a pretentious scholarly edition
intended to attract notice and impress others
- Synonyms
- Examples
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an ostentatious sable coat
(of a display) tawdry or vulgar
- Synonyms