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Definition of pretentious - 4 dictionary results

pre⋅ten⋅tious

  [pri-ten-shuhs]
Use pretentious in a Sentence
–adjective
1. full of pretense or pretension.
2. characterized by assumption of dignity or importance.
3. making an exaggerated outward show; ostentatious.
Origin:
1835–45; earlier pretensious. See pretense, -ious

Related forms:
pre⋅ten⋅tious⋅ly, adverb
pre⋅ten⋅tious⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
2. pompous. See bombastic. 3. showy. See grandiose.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To pretentious
pre·ten·tious   (prĭ-těn'shəs)   
adj.  
  1. Claiming or demanding a position of distinction or merit, especially when unjustified.
  2. Making or marked by an extravagant outward show; ostentatious. See Synonyms at showy.
pre·ten'tious·ly adv., pre·ten'tious·ness n.
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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Pretentious

Pre*ten"tious\, a. [Cf. F. pr['e]tentieux. See Pretend.] Full of pretension; disposed to lay claim to more than is one's; presuming; assuming. -- Pre*ten"tious*ly, adv. -- Pre*ten"tious*ness, n.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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pretentious 
1845, from Fr. prétentieux (17c.), from prétention "pretension," from M.L. pretentionem (nom. pretentio) "pretension," from L.L. prætensus "pretend" (see pretense).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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