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Definition of pretension - 4 dictionary results

pre⋅ten⋅sion

1  [pri-ten-shuhn]
Use pretension in a Sentence
–noun
1. the laying of a claim to something.
2. a claim or title to something.
3. Often, pretensions. a claim made, esp. indirectly or by implication, to some quality, merit, or the like: They laughed at my pretensions to superior judgment.
4. a claim to dignity, importance, or merit.
5. pretentiousness.
6. the act of pretending or alleging.
7. an allegation of doubtful veracity.
8. a pretext.
Origin:
1590–1600; < ML praetēnsiōn- (s. of praetēnsiō). See pretense, -ion

pre⋅ten⋅sion

2  [pree-ten-shuhn]
–verb (used with object)
1. (in prestressed-concrete construction) to apply tension to (reinforcing strands) before the concrete is poured. Compare posttension (def. 1).
2. to make (a concrete member) with pretensioned reinforcement.
Origin:
1935–40; pre- + tension
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To pretension
pre·ten·sion   (prĭ-těn'shən)   
n.  
  1. A specious allegation; a pretext.
  2. A claim to something, such as a privilege or right. See Synonyms at claim.
  3. The advancing of a claim.
  4. Ostentatious display; pretentiousness.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Pretension

Pre*ten"sion\, n. [Cf. F. pr['e]tention. See Pretend, Tension.]

1. The act of pretending, or laying claim; the act of asserting right or title.

The arrogant pretensions of Glengarry contributed to protract the discussion. --Macaulay.

2. A claim made, whether true or false; a right alleged or assumed; a holding out the appearance of possessing a certain character; as, pretensions to scholarship.

This was but an invention and pretension given out by the Spaniards. --Bacon.

Men indulge those opinions and practices that favor their pretensions. --L'Estrange.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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