Basic Details
Word: Pretence
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: An act of pretending or showing a false appearance.
Synonyms: Deception, facade, faade
Antonyms: Honesty, truthfulness
Idioms and Phrases
- Behind the pretence: Refers to looking past a false front to see the truth. Example: "She seemed happy, but I knew there was sadness behind the pretence."
- Living in a pretence: Means to continue acting as if something is true when it is not. Example: "He is living in a pretence that he is fine, despite his struggles."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The children's laughter was just a pretence to hide their nervousness about the upcoming exam.
Example 2: Her smile was a pretence; deep down, she was feeling quite sad.
Example 3: The pretence of confidence he displayed masked his fears of failing.
Fun Fact
The word "pretence" comes from the Old French word "pretense," which translates to "an intention" or "claim," reflecting the idea of claiming something that may not be true.
Famous Quote
"The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions." Leonardo da Vinci
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "pretence" mean?
a) A genuine act
b) A statement of truth
c) An act of pretending
d) A form of honesty
Answer: c) An act of pretending
2. Which of these is a synonym of "pretence"?
a) Truthfulness
b) Deception
c) Simplicity
d) Clarity
Answer: b) Deception
3. What is the opposite of "pretence"?
a) Honesty
b) Illusion
c) Acting
d) Falseness
Answer: a) Honesty
4. Which sentence uses "pretence" correctly?
a) He visited the zoo with a pretence of excitement.
b) The pretence of the magician amazed the crowd.
c) The flowers bloomed in a pretence of spring.
d) The athlete ran with pretence towards the finish line.
Answer: b) The pretence of the magician amazed the crowd.
5. Which idiom means to see past a false appearance?
a) Living in a pretence
b) Behind the pretence
c) Keeping up appearances
d) Putting on a show
Answer: b) Behind the pretence
