pretends

Pretends is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb pretend. It denotes the act of behaving as if something is true, often for deception, amusement, or coping with a situation.

In grammar, pretends can take an infinitive clause, as in "She pretends to understand," or a that-clause, as in "He pretends that the problem is solved." It can appear in both earnest and playful contexts, including children’s pretend play and social role‑play.

Etymology: The word is derived from Latin praetendere, through Old French pretendre, originally meaning to claim or allege. The sense of feigning or simulating emerged in Early Modern English and became common in modern usage.

Usage notes: Pretending implies intentional performance rather than accidental ambiguity. It is often contrasted with telling the truth, but it can also express social strategy, politeness, or storytelling. Related verbs include feign, simulate, and bluff; less precise alternatives include act as if or go through the motions.

Related terms: The noun forms pretence (British) or pretense (American), pretender (a person who pretends or who claims a false identity), and the adjective pretentious, which shares a root but a different meaning. In literature and media, pretends are a common device to reveal character or advance plots.