Pertend vs. Pretend: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on October 21, 2023
"Pertend" is incorrect, whereas "Pretend," meaning to act as if something is true when it is not, is the proper spelling.

Which is correct: Pertend or Pretend
How to spell Pretend?

Pertend is Incorrect

Pretend is Correct
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Key Differences
"Pretend" shares the first two letters, "Pr," with words like "Pretense" and "Pretentious," helping anchor its spelling.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
"Pre" as a prefix means "before" in many words; “pretend” essentially means to behave before/in advance of something being true.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Note that the correct word "Pretend" has a "tend" in it, linking it to tending to act a certain way.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Imagine a 'tense' act of playing, which is “pretend,” and "tense" is within the word.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 21, 2023
Think of a pretender, someone who pretends, to connect and remember the spelling.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
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Pertend and Pretend Definitions
Pretend
To make believe with intention to deceive.
He pretended he did not hear her.

Harlon Moss
Oct 08, 2023
Pretend
Simulate an action or feeling.
Children love to pretend they are animals.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Pretend
To claim falsely or insincerely.
He pretended not to have knowledge about it.

Sara Rehman
Oct 08, 2023
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Pretend
To give a false appearance of; feign
"You had to pretend conformity while privately pursuing high and dangerous nonconformism" (Anthony Burgess).

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Pretend
To claim or allege insincerely or falsely
Doesn't pretend to be an expert.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Pretend
To represent fictitiously in play; make believe
Pretended they were on a cruise.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Pretend
To take upon oneself; venture
I cannot pretend to say that you are wrong.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Pretend
To claim, to allege, especially when falsely or as a form of deliberate deception.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Pretend
To lay claim to (an ability, status, advantage, etc.). (originally used without to)

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Pretend
To make oneself appear to do or be doing something; to engage in make-believe.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Pretend
To hold before, or put forward, as a cloak or disguise for something else; to exhibit as a veil for something hidden.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Pretend
Not really what it is represented as being; imaginary, feigned.
As children we used to go on "spying" missions around the neighbour's house, but it was all pretend.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Pretend
To lay a claim to; to allege a title to; to claim.
Chiefs shall be grudged the part which they pretend.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Pretend
To hold before, or put forward, as a cloak or disguise for something else; to exhibit as a veil for something hidden.
Lest that too heavenly form, pretendedTo hellish falsehood, snare them.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Pretend
To hold out, or represent, falsely; to put forward, or offer, as true or real (something untrue or unreal); to show hypocritically, or for the purpose of deceiving; to simulate; to feign; as, to pretend friendship.
This let him know,Lest, willfully transgressing, he pretendSurprisal.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Pretend
To intend; to design; to plot; to attempt.
Such as shall pretendMalicious practices against his state.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Pretend
To put in, or make, a claim, truly or falsely; to allege a title; to lay claim to, or strive after, something; - usually with to.
For to what fine he would anon pretend,That know I well.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Pretend
To hold out the appearance of being, possessing, or performing; to profess; to make believe; to feign; to sham; as, to pretend to be asleep.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Pretend
Make believe with the intent to deceive;
He feigned that he was ill
He shammed a headache

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Pretend
Put forward a claim and assert right or possession of;
Pretend the title of King

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Pretend
Put forward, of a guess, in spite of possible refutation;
I am guessing that the price of real estate will rise again
I cannot pretend to say that you are wrong

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Pretend
Represent fictitiously, as in a play, or pretend to be or act like;
She makes like an actress

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Pretend
State insincerely;
He professed innocence but later admitted his guilt
She pretended not to have known the suicide bomber
She pretends to be an expert on wine

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Pretend
Imagined as in a play;
The make-believe world of theater
Play money
Dangling their legs in the water to catch pretend fish

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
FAQs
Which vowel is used before Pretend?
Any vowel might be used, following appropriate grammatical structures.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Why is it called Pretend?
Derived from the Latin “praetendere,” "Pretend" means to stretch before, figuratively intending to feign or assert.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Which conjunction is used with Pretend?
No specific conjunction is commonly used; any might work per proper grammar.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Which preposition is used with Pretend?
Prepositions like "to" can be used, as in pretend to be.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
What is the singular form of Pretend?
Pretend does not have a singular form as it is a verb.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 21, 2023
Is Pretend a negative or positive word?
Pretend is neutral, with contextual dependence for positive or negative connotations.

Harlon Moss
Oct 21, 2023
Is Pretend a vowel or consonant?
Pretend is a word, containing both vowels and consonants.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Is the Pretend term a metaphor?
Pretend is not a metaphor but can be used in metaphorical expressions.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
What is a stressed syllable in Pretend?
The second syllable, "tend," is stressed.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Which determiner is used with Pretend?
No specific determiner is commonly associated; usage is context-dependent.

Janet White
Oct 21, 2023
Which article is used with Pretend?
No specific article is associated with it; use as per context.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Is the word Pretend imperative?
Pretend can be used in an imperative manner: e.g., "Pretend you are asleep!"

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
What is the opposite of Pretend?
"Be genuine" or "be real" may convey the opposite.

Harlon Moss
Oct 21, 2023
How is Pretend used in a sentence?
"They pretend they are pirates, sailing the high seas."

Janet White
Oct 21, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
