Definition of pretension

The word "pretension" originated in the late 16th century from the French verb "prétendre" which means "to claim" or "to pretend." The English adopted this term from the French and modified its pronunciation and spelling. In its earliest usage, "pretension" referred to a claim or declaration that was not fully justified or supported by evidence. It was used in legal contexts to describe false or exaggerated assertions made in court. Later, the usage of "pretension" expanded to include claims or aspirations that were unrealistic, impractical, or unfounded. Over time, "pretension" came to be associated with the qualities or attributes that were falsely claimed, rather than just the act of making a false claim. It came to denote an attempt to present oneself as more important, privileged, or accomplished than one really is. Today, "pretension" is commonly used in literary, artistic, and cultural contexts to describe works or expressions that aspire to a level of significance or sophistication beyond their true worth. It is also used to refer to individuals who affect a particular style or manner of behaving or speaking, but lack the genuine or authentic qualities they attempt to convey.