Definitions

1. noun

a quality of being affected or insincere, especially in a way that is annoying or unpleasant.

“The actor’s pretension made it difficult for the audience to take him seriously.”

2. noun

a claim or statement that is not based on fact, especially one made in order to impress or deceive others.

“The politician’s pretension about being a champion of the environment was widely criticized.”

3. noun

a sense of pride or self-importance, especially one that is considered to be excessive or arrogant.

“The artist’s pretension about being a visionary was seen as pretentious by many in the art world.”