pretentious
What does "pretentious" mean?
To be pretentious is to act as if you are more important, intelligent, or cultured than you actually are. It is the act of "putting on airs"—creating a facade of sophistication to impress others, often coming across as hollow or insincere. You use this word to describe someone who tries too hard to seem refined, or to describe objects like art or literature that feel unnecessarily complex just to look "deep." It carries a negative connotation of vanity and is often used to call out someone who is being condescending or fake.
"pretentious" in conversation
Discussing a modern art gallery
What did you think of the new exhibit?
What did you think of the new exhibit?
Honestly? It felt a bit pretentious.
Honestly? It felt a bit pretentious.
I agree, the descriptions were way too abstract.
I agree, the descriptions were way too abstract.
Used to describe an experience that feels forced or overly intellectual.
Reading a book
Why are you using such long words in your email?
Why are you using such long words in your email?
I'm just trying to sound professional!
I'm just trying to sound professional!
It just comes off as a little pretentious, honestly.
It just comes off as a little pretentious, honestly.
Used to describe someone's writing style or speech patterns.
"pretentious" in a sentence
He is very pretentious.
He is very pretentious.
Her pretentious attitude makes it difficult to have a normal conversation.
Her pretentious attitude makes it difficult to have a normal conversation.
The film was criticized for its pretentious dialogue and lack of genuine emotional depth.
The film was criticized for its pretentious dialogue and lack of genuine emotional depth.
