Basic Details
Word: Pretend
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To act as if something is true when it is not, usually for fun or to deceive.
Synonyms: Feign, simulate, act
Antonyms: Be honest, reveal, admit
Idioms and Phrases
- Fake it till you make it: To pretend to be confident or successful until you actually become that way. Example: "Even though she was nervous, she decided to fake it till she made it and gave an impressive presentation."
- Play pretend: To engage in imaginative play where one acts out roles or scenarios. Example: "The children love to play pretend as superheroes during their playtime."
Usage Examples
Example 1: When we were kids, we would often pretend to be pirates sailing on the high seas.
Example 2: He tried to pretend he was sick to avoid going to school, but his parents saw right through it.
Example 3: During the drama class, all the students had to pretend to be different characters from a story.
Fun Fact
The word "pretend" comes from the Middle English word "pretenden," which means "to stretch forth" or "to assert". It has been used for centuries to describe the act of imagining or feigning.
Famous Quote
"All of us are imaginative, but the problem is to convince ourselves we are." - John Steinbeck
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "pretend" mean?
a) To tell the truth
b) To act as if something is true when it is not
c) To play a sport
d) To make a cake
Answer: b) To act as if something is true when it is not
2. Which of these is a synonym of "pretend"?
a) Admit
b) Feign
c) Speak
d) Listen
Answer: b) Feign
3. Which sentence uses "pretend" correctly?
a) She decided to pretend she was reading a book while actually playing on her phone.
b) He pretended the ball was his best friend.
c) They pretend to go shopping every Saturday.
d) He pretended to bake a cake and ended up with real food.
Answer: a) She decided to pretend she was reading a book while actually playing on her phone.
4. Which idiom means the same as "pretend"?
a) Fake it till you make it
b) Count your chickens
c) Barking up the wrong tree
d) Let the cat out of the bag
Answer: a) Fake it till you make it
5. What is the opposite of "pretend"?
a) To act
b) Be honest
c) To pretend
d) To make believe
Answer: b) Be honest
