false pretension

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"A fault in manner," he says, "is laughable; a false pretension is ridiculous, a situation which exposes vice to detestation is comic, a bon mot is pleasant."

From History of English Humour, Vol. 2 by L'Estrange, Alfred Guy Kingan

There was always, and there will be always, a certain amount of false pretension in life which you may, if you like, call acting.

From Cornelius O'Dowd Upon Men And Women And Other Things In General by Lever, Charles James

He was willing to do it,—but was not willing that there should be any soft-worded, high-toned false pretension.

From The Prime Minister by Trollope, Anthony

It is a clear case of false pretension.

From Gryll Grange by Peacock, Thomas Love

But at that critical period of their daughter's life, they were ignorant of human nature, and entirely unskilled in the means of detecting false pretension, or discovering true merit.

From The Lights and Shadows of Real Life by Arthur, T. S. (Timothy Shay)