pretentiousness

USAGE SUMMARY

"pretentiousness" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe an attitude or behavior that is attempting to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed. Example: "His pretentiousness was evident in the way he spoke about his art collection." Alternative expressions include "ostentation" and "affectation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But I think it's also because they speak to something primal, something honest and irresistible and essential about human nature, something that remains after you chisel away our pretentiousness: to fight, to fuck, to shout ominous lines".

The Guardian - Sport

Childlike in his need to satisfy his appetites immediately and to hold the centre stage, Chatwin also possessed the very adult faults of vanity, snobbery, hypocrisy and pretentiousness.

The Economist

People in the German arts sometimes take themselves too seriously and work claiming to be Tanztheater, just by dint of being German and choreographic, can end up looking ridiculous .Mr Schläpfer's words are apposite: pastiche, pretentiousness and, for audiences, downright boredom at posturing and silliness are dangers the post-Bausch generation will need to avoid.

The Economist

Eliot did at times give sources but was laughed at for pretentiousness.

The Economist

A self-deprecating tone saves her from pretentiousness.

The Economist

The Grave has none of the oppressive self-pity or pretentiousness of Night-Thoughts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In architecture, painting, and design, the Sezessionstil (German: Jugendstil) movement (Art Nouveau) provided means for young artists to rebel against pretentiousness in the Viennese art establishment, including the style of architecture on the Ring.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Unlike most other writers of prose sketches of the customs of society (costumbristas), who took a nostalgic approach, Larra exposed in his mordant and vitriolic sketches the pretentiousness and absurdity of contemporary Spanish society.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is directed against the fanaticism, pretentiousness, pedantry, and hypocrisy that Butler saw in militant Puritanism, extremes which he attacked wherever he saw them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With its spirited ridicule of affectation and pretentiousness, it is one of the greatest comedies of manners in English.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Isn't the poker-faced pretentiousness of contemporary art ripe for a send-up," you can almost hear the judges thinking.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pretentiousness" to critique inflated self-importance or unwarranted claims of superiority, as seen in contexts ranging from art criticism to social commentary.

Common error

Avoid using "pretentiousness" when the subject demonstrates genuine knowledge or skill. The term should be reserved for instances where the appearance of sophistication is exaggerated or unearned.

Linguistic Context

The word "pretentiousness" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the quality or state of being pretentious. Ludwig examples show it often serves as the object of critique or analysis, highlighting instances of affected importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pretentiousness" functions as a noun to describe the quality of affecting greater importance or talent than one actually possesses. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its common presence in critical analyses within news, media and encyclopedic contexts. As noted by Ludwig, the word serves to critique inflated claims or superficial displays, often implying disapproval. When writing, remember that "pretentiousness" should be reserved for situations where the appearance of sophistication is exaggerated or unearned, distinguishing it from genuine skill or knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affectedness

Emphasizes artificiality and a desire to impress others.

ostentation

Highlights the display of wealth or extravagance to impress.

pomposity

Focuses on self-importance and arrogance in speech or behavior.

airs

Suggests an assumption of superiority or affected manners.

sanctimoniousness

Highlights a display of moral superiority that feels insincere.

showiness

Emphasizes a flashy or extravagant quality intended to attract attention.

affectation

Focuses on behavior, speech, or writing that is artificial and designed to impress.

pompousness

Highlights the quality of being irritatingly grand, solemn, or self-important.

posing

Suggests an attempt to impress by adopting a particular attitude or role.

self-importance

Highlights an exaggerated sense of one's own value or significance.

FAQs

What does "pretentiousness" mean?

"Pretentiousness" refers to the quality of attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed.

How do I use "pretentiousness" in a sentence?

You can use "pretentiousness" to describe someone's behavior, attitude, or artistic expression. For instance, "The critic derided the play for its obvious "pretentiousness"."

What are some synonyms for "pretentiousness"?

Synonyms for "pretentiousness" include "affectation", "ostentation", "pomposity", and "airs". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How is "pretentiousness" different from "confidence"?

"Confidence" is a belief in one's abilities, while "pretentiousness" involves trying to appear more important or skilled than one actually is. The key difference lies in the genuineness of the qualities being projected.