noun the quality of having or showing a claim to something
In literature, pretension can be used to describe characters who exhibit false or exaggerated sense of importance or grandeur in order to mask their insecurities or shortcomings.
In psychology, pretension can refer to a person's tendency to claim qualities or accomplishments that they do not actually possess, often as a defense mechanism or to boost self-esteem.
In social interactions, pretension can manifest as individuals putting on airs or pretending to be someone they are not in order to impress others or gain social status.
In art and culture, pretension can be seen in works that strive to appear more sophisticated or intellectual than they actually are, often leading to criticism of being pretentious or insincere.
In the world of writing, pretension can refer to a writer's attempt to come across as more important or impressive than they actually are, often through the use of overly complex language or themes.
Psychologists may encounter pretension in their field when individuals try to present themselves as more knowledgeable or insightful than they truly are, possibly to impress clients or colleagues.
For artists, pretension can manifest as a desire to appear more avant-garde or profound than their work actually is, potentially alienating audiences or critics.
In politics, pretension can be seen in politicians who try to present themselves as more virtuous or capable than their actions suggest, often leading to accusations of insincerity or dishonesty.
Within academia, pretension may arise when scholars attempt to elevate their status by using overly complex jargon or referencing obscure sources, potentially hindering communication and collaboration.