Definition of the word pretend

The word "pretend" has its roots in Latin. The verb "praetendere" means "to put forth" or "to pretend", derived from "praeto" (before) and "tendere" (to stretch out). This Latin term was later borrowed into Middle English as "pretenden", which carried the meaning of "to feign" or "to counterfeit". In the 14th century, the verb "pretend" emerged in English, initially meaning "to feign or pretend to be something one is not" or "to make a show of something". Over time, the meaning expanded to include "to imagine or assume something" or "to behave as if". Today, "pretend" is a popular verb in modern English, used in various contexts, from childhood play to artistic expression and social interactions. So, the next time you "pretend" to be a superhero or play a role, you're drawing from centuries of linguistic history!