pretense

Pretense, or pretence, is the act of presenting something as true or real when it is not, or of assuming a role, identity, or appearance that does not reflect actual circumstances. It can involve feigning facts or adopting an affectation to influence how others perceive a person or situation. In everyday usage, pretense often serves a social purpose, such as making a favorable impression or avoiding scrutiny.

Etymology and spelling: the noun derives from Latin praetensus, via Old French pretence. American English uses "pretense," while British English uses "pretence." The related verb is "to pretend."

Contexts and distinctions: in psychology and culture, pretense can be neutral or positive. Children engage in pretend play, imagining roles and scenarios to explore social rules and develop cognitive skills. In adult life, pretense can be a strategic or social performance, such as presenting oneself as more capable or affluent than one is. Deception, by contrast, is typically aimed at misleading for personal gain and may lack mutual acknowledgment of the pretense. Pretense in play or performance is often collaborative and understood as not reflecting reality.

In literature and drama, pretense is a common device that creates disguises, mistaken identities, and dramatic irony. It allows authors to explore truth, perception, and social norms by showing how characters act under false appearances. The concept also appears in everyday language, where phrases like "under false pretences" describe actions taken on a misleading pretext.

See also: deception, impersonation, masquerade, pretend play, dramatic irony.