pretended

/prɪˈten.dɪd/ (bre, ipa) · /prɪˈten.dɪd/ (ame, ipa) · /pri-ˈten-dəd/ (ame, mw)

pretended — adjective

  • pretendedpositive
  • more pretendedcomparative
  • most pretendedsuperlative

1. describes a feeling, action, or identity that someone deliberately makes seem re

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a feeling, action, or identity that someone deliberately makes seem real or true when it is not — for example, showing pretended interest in what someone says, calling in with a pretended illness to avoid an event, or using a pretended name to hide who you really are.

例句

Selim's pretended interest in classical music was obvious to everyone at the concert hall.

attributive: pretended + [abstract noun] (pretended interest)

Trang stayed home with a pretended stomachache, though her sister saw her at the park.

attributive: pretended + [illness] to avoid obligation

同義詞
  • fake

    More common and informal; can describe objects ('a fake passport') as well as behaviour — 'pretended' is more about performed attitudes or identities.

  • feigned

    More formal; strongly associated with emotions ('feigned surprise') rather than objects or names.

  • false

    Broader and more neutral; can describe anything that is incorrect or deceptive, not just deliberate performance.

  • mock

    Often suggests imitation for effect (mock horror) rather than deception; may carry a playful tone.

反義詞
  • genuine

    Describes feelings or actions that are real and sincerely felt.

  • real

    The simplest opposite; contrasts anything made-up with what actually exists or is honestly meant.

文法句型

pretended + noun

用法筆記

Usually placed before a noun (attributive position), as in 'pretended ignorance' or 'pretended enthusiasm'. Can appear in predicative position ('His enthusiasm was pretended'), though this is less common than with similar words like 'fake' or 'false'.

常見錯誤

❌He showed a pretended smile when receiving the award.
✅He showed a forced smile when receiving the award.
💡Use 'pretended' only when the person deliberately acts out a false feeling or identity; 'forced' or 'fake' sounds more natural for facial expressions. 'Pretended' works better for sustained acts (a pretended illness) than for brief moments.
❌She pretended illness to skip the meeting.
✅She used a pretended illness to skip the meeting.' / 'She pretended to be sick to skip the meeting.
💡'Pretended' as an adjective describes the noun that follows it; the verb form 'pretend' + infinitive is a different construction.