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cheat,deceiver,quack,swindler,trickster

eb68db_544eca30fa6b4034af9481b47764d7c7.mp3

impostor, legitimate, rightful, authentic

charlatan,fake,fraud,imposter,impostor,phony,sham

Prefix pre-, SAT 8 (Scholastic Assessment Test), Illusion and Insincerity, Clandestine and Conniving

pretender

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How to pronounce pretender (audio)

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Dictionary definition of pretender

An individual who lays claim to a position, title, or role that they are not entitled to or do not rightfully possess.
"The pretender to the throne sought to usurp the rightful ruler."

Detailed meaning of pretender

It is often associated with someone who falsely asserts their right to a position of authority, power, or inheritance. A pretender typically presents themselves as a legitimate contender or successor, despite lacking the necessary qualifications, legitimacy, or support. They may assert their claim based on disputed lineage, fabricated credentials, or personal ambition. The term is commonly used in contexts such as royal succession, political power struggles, or disputes over inheritance. A pretender may seek to deceive or manipulate others into recognizing their supposed entitlement, often with the aim of attaining or consolidating power. Their actions and claims are usually seen as illegitimate or false, and they are often met with skepticism or resistance from those who question their authenticity.

Example sentences containing pretender

1. The pretender seized the throne, though the rightful heir lived in exile.
2. A skilled pretender, he fooled us all with his “knowledge” and “expertise.
3. ”
4. The company fired the pretender after exposing his fake credentials.
5. In the tale, a pretender claims the crown, inciting a massive revolt.
6. She recognized the pretender, a fake friend masked in sweet words.
7. The pretender's claim to the estate crumbled under legal scrutiny.

History and etymology of pretender

The noun 'pretender' has its etymological roots in the Old French word 'pretendre,' which means 'to claim' or 'to assert.' In the context of titles, positions, or roles, it signified the act of laying claim to something. The term 'pretender' was used to describe an individual who asserts a right or claim to a position, title, or role that they are not entitled to or do not rightfully possess. As it transitioned into Middle English, 'pretender' retained its core meaning, emphasizing the notion of making a false or illegitimate claim to authority or status. The etymology of 'pretender' thus underscores its historical association with the act of asserting an unauthorized or false claim, making it a fitting term to describe individuals who seek to illegitimately assume positions of authority or titles they do not rightfully hold.

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Further usage examples of pretender

1. Amongst true artists, he stood out as a glaring pretender.
2. The team discarded the pretender, valuing authentic skills.
3. In a world of originals, a pretender has no ground to stand on.
4. The child king, a mere pretender, was a puppet in noble games.
5. Every era has its pretender, claiming rights they haven’t earned.
6. A pretender to wisdom, his ignorance soon unveiled his fraud.
7. The gallery exposed the pretender for passing copies as originals.
8. In the family, a pretender claimed an inheritance undeservedly.
9. The pretender’s claim to fame dissolved when the truth emerged.
10. As a pretender, his hollow bravery was as transparent as glass.
11. A leader? No, he was a pretender, void of vision and virtue.
12. The kingdom united to unseat the pretender from his stolen throne.
13. Amid geniuses, the pretender’s mediocre talent became evident.
14. The pretender wore a crown of lies, teetering and ready to fall.
15. In the rebellion, they followed a pretender, a false prophet of freedom.
16. The pretender spoke, his voice lacking the weight of authenticity.
17. No kingdom for the pretender; exile was the price of his deceit.
18. A pretender in the midst, the group weeded him out swiftly.
19. In the guild of heroes, the pretender was a shadow, not a light.
20. She saw through the pretender’s mask, recognizing the imposter.
21. The pretender, an uninvited actor, played his part poorly.
22. A kingdom reclaimed, the pretender fled, chased by his own shadows.
23. With an inventor’s title, the pretender’s lack of innovation showed.
24. The realm’s recovery began with the expulsion of the pretender.

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