Need another word for Pretentiously? Use these synonyms of Pretentiously from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
artificially
pompously
grandiosely
haughtily
self-importantly
arrogantly
condescendingly
patronizingly
snootily
snobbishly
affectedly
insincerely
ostentatiously
showily
flashily
extravagantly
luxuriously
elaborately
flamboyantly
gaudily
superficially
shallowly
vacuously
emptily
hollowly
pretentiously
vaingloriously
boastfully
conceitedly
egoistically
narcissistically
self-aggrandizingly
high-handedly
imperiously
domineeringly
overbearingly
Meaning of Pretentiously
The primary meaning of the word "Pretentiously" is to behave or speak in a way that is intended to impress others with one's intelligence, taste, or culture, but is actually insincere or excessive.
Definitions
- According to Oxford Languages, "Pretentiously" means in a way that is intended to impress others with one's intelligence, taste, or culture, but is actually insincere or excessive.
- * It can also imply a sense of artificiality or insincerity in one's words or actions, often with the goal of gaining admiration or respect from others.
Etymology of Pretentiously
The word "Pretentiously" has its roots in the Latin word "praetendere," which means "to stretch out before" or "to pretend."
The word entered the English language in the 15th century, initially with the meaning of "to pretend" or "to claim falsely."
Over time, the word evolved to take on a more nuanced meaning, implying a sense of insincerity or artificiality in one's words or actions.
Example Uses
- He spoke pretentiously about art, using terms he didn't fully understand.
- * She walked into the room pretentiously, expecting everyone to notice her expensive clothes.
- * The professor wrote pretentiously, using complex vocabulary to hide the lack of substance in his arguments.