pretese

Pretese, pretence (British English), or pretenses (American English) is a noun with several related meanings. In common use, it denotes the act of pretending or feigning something: a false display of feelings, abilities, or motives. It also refers to a claim or assertion made to achieve a purpose, especially when the claim is not genuine. A related sense is appearing to have a particular quality or status as a matter of outward show rather than reality. The phrase under false pretenses describes entering into a transaction or relationship by misrepresenting one's motives or situation.

Originating in English from the verb pretend, through Old French pretence and Latin roots related to prae- “before” and tendere “to stretch,” pretence has long carried both the sense of claiming and the sense of feigning. Spelling variations reflect regional usage: pretence (British English) and pretenses (American English).

In literature and analysis, pretese is used to discuss hypocrisy, performative behavior, or strategic misrepresentation. In everyday language, it can refer to minor acts of affectation or to deliberate deception in contexts such as marketing, dating, or negotiation. The term is closely related to, but broader than, feigning or pretense and can emphasize outward appearance over internal reality. False pretenses is a common legal phrase describing deception to obtain property or advantages.

Related terms include pretense, feigning, affectation, hypocrisy, and misrepresentation.