affect implies making a false show of possessing, using, or feeling. pretend implies an overt and sustained false appearance. simulate suggests a close imitation of the appearance of something. feign implies more artful invention than pretend, less specific mimicry than simulate.
If you pretend that something is the case, you act in a way that is intended to make people believe that it is the case, although in fact it is not. I pretend that things are really okay when they're not. [VERB that] Sometimes the boy pretended to be asleep. [VERB to-infinitive] I had no option but to pretend ignorance. [VERB noun]
Definition of pretend verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
To give a false appearance of; feign: "You had to pretend conformity while privately pursuing high and dangerous nonconformism" (Anthony Burgess). 2. To claim or allege insincerely or falsely: doesn't pretend to be an expert. 3. To represent fictitiously in play; make believe: pretended they were on a cruise. 4.
[ + (that) ] He pretended (that) he didn't mind, but I knew that he did. The children pretended (that) they were dinosaurs. [ + to infinitive ] Were you just pretending to be interested? She's not really hurt - she's only pretending. Of course I was angry - I can't pretend otherwise.
To pretend is to create an imaginary characteristic or to play a part: to pretend sorrow. To affect is to make a consciously artificial show of having qualities that one thinks would look well and impress others: to affect shyness.
