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adj. 1. Claiming that or behaving as if one is important or deserving of merit when such is not the case: a pretentious socialite. 2. Showing or betraying an attitude of superiority: made pretentious remarks about his education. 3. Marked by an extravagant or presumptuous outward show; ostentatious: a pretentious house. See Synonyms at showy. pre·tentious·ly adv. pre·tentious·ness n. |
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