Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:24:49 EST
Pretense
The noun pretense means an assertion or a claim. Over time, the term has acquired a connotation of dishonesty. Pretense ultimately derives from the Latin verb Praetendere, which means to place in front, to spread before, to extend, or, figuratively, to allege.
The verb to pretend also derives from praetendere.