pretentiously

IPA/prɪˈtenʃəsli/
IPA/prɪˈtenʃəsli/

pretentiously — adverb

1. adopting an attitude, style, or way of speaking intended to create the impressio

1.副詞B2
釋義

adopting an attitude, style, or way of speaking intended to create the impression of greater importance, knowledge, or refinement than one truly possesses — typically coming across to others as irritating or affected

例句

The novelist spoke pretentiously about his own work, comparing it to classic authors like Shakespeare.

pretentiously + verb of speaking (spoke)

Yan dressed pretentiously for the casual garden party, arriving in a silk evening gown.

pretentiously + verb of dressing/behaving

同義詞
  • affectedly

    emphasizes artificial, put-on behavior rather than sincere expression

  • pompously

    suggests an inflated sense of self-importance, especially in speech or writing

  • ostentatiously

    focuses on flashy, showy displays meant to impress others with wealth or status

  • grandiosely

    implies exaggerated ambition or scale, as if one's ideas are more magnificent than they really are

反義詞
  • unpretentiously

    behaving in a natural, modest way without trying to impress

  • humbly

    showing a modest opinion of one's own importance

文法句型

pretentiously + verb

pretentiously + adjective

用法筆記

Commonly pairs with verbs of speaking (talk, speak, describe, call, name) and presenting (dress, decorate, label, list). Often carries a tone of disapproval from the speaker.

常見錯誤

He spoke pretentiously to show he was humble.
He spoke pretentiously to impress the audience.
💡Someone who acts pretentiously is trying to seem important, not humble.
She pretentiously donated money to charity.
She pretentiously bragged about her donations at every dinner party.
💡The adverb describes the manner of the action; donating itself is not pretentious unless done in a showy way.