adjective Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed.
Refers to clothing or accessories that are perceived as trying too hard to be stylish or high-class, often to the point of being seen as inauthentic or superficial.
Used to describe characters or writing that is overly self-important or showy in a way that is meant to impress but comes across as insincere or phony.
Applied to artwork that is deemed to be overly ambitious or showy in a way that seems to lack true depth or meaning.
Describes movies or performances that are seen as overly affected or trying too hard to be profound or important, often resulting in a lack of genuine emotional impact.
Used to criticize posts or profiles that come across as overly self-promotional or insincere in their attempts to present a certain image or lifestyle.
A writer may be accused of being pretentious if they use overly complex language or themes in their work in an attempt to appear more intellectual or sophisticated than they actually are.
A psychologist may be seen as pretentious if they use jargon or technical language in a way that is meant to impress others rather than communicate effectively.
An artist may be criticized for being pretentious if they claim their work has deep meaning or significance that is not apparent to the viewer, or if they present themselves as more important or talented than they actually are.
An architect may be accused of being pretentious if they design buildings that prioritize style over function, or if they use grandiose language to describe their work in an attempt to elevate its importance.
A chef may be considered pretentious if they create overly elaborate or expensive dishes in an attempt to impress diners, rather than focusing on creating delicious and accessible food.