What is a pretentious person?

adjective. characterized by assumption of dignity or importance, especially when exaggerated or undeserved: a pretentious, self-important waiter. making an exaggerated outward show; ostentatious. full of pretense or pretension; having no factual basis; false.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on dictionary.com


What does it mean if someone is pretentious?

: trying to appear better or more important than is really the case a pretentious snob.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on merriam-webster.com


What is an example of being pretentious?

The definition of pretentious is someone or something that claims to be very important or grand. An example of pretentious is someone saying they deserve a table in a crowded restaurant because of who they are. Marked by an unwarranted claim to importance or distinction.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on yourdictionary.com


What kind of people are pretentious?

Pretentious people may falsely believe that others see them as authentic and genuinely refined. Or it could be that they know what impression they make on others, but they would rather be seen as affected and uppity than as plain and ordinary, and they don't know how to pull off authentic and sophisticated.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on psychologytoday.com


How do you spot a pretentious person?

Here a few signs that someone is pretentious:
  1. They believe that liking obscure hobbies or having eccentric interests makes them smart or special. ...
  2. They use long words or jargon because they think it makes them look intelligent or cultured.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on socialself.com


What is being pretentious? | r/AskReddit



What's wrong with being pretentious?

Being pretentious is a bad idea for several reasons: it alienates people, it suggests you're smarter than perhaps you actually are, and it invites unfriendly scrutiny. Moreover, it's just irritating, ipso facto.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on usu.edu


What is a pretentious woman?

(prɪtɛnʃəs ) adjective. If you say that someone or something is pretentious, you mean that they try to seem important or significant, but you do not think that they are.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on collinsdictionary.com


How do I stop being pretentious?

How to Avoid Coming off As Pretentious
  1. Keep quiet about your accomplishments. People are already likely aware of the talents, gifts, and education you possess. ...
  2. Pay compliments. ...
  3. Give others credit. ...
  4. Don't be a know-it-all. ...
  5. Be quiet. ...
  6. Acknowledge your mistakes. ...
  7. Practice empathy. ...
  8. Listen.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on alwaysappropriate.com


How do you deal with a pretentious coworker?

  1. 1 Ignore the Behavior. With any type of bad behavior, you have to ignore it when you want to put people in their place. ...
  2. 2 Maintain Indifference. There are some things you just can't ignore, however. ...
  3. 3 Stand up for Your Opinions. ...
  4. 4 Never Act Impressed. ...
  5. 5 Confront the Behavior. ...
  6. 6 Assert Your Authority. ...
  7. 7 Ask “Why?” Incessantly.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on lifestyle.allwomenstalk.com


Is pretentious an insult?

On the one hand, it's a real shame because “pretentious” is a fantastically declarative-sounding insult, and unlike other teen favorites such “poseur”, it still packs a punch when adults hear it directed at them.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on justincolletti.com


Whats a word for someone who thinks they're better than everyone else?

conceited. someone who is conceited behaves in a way that shows they think they are very intelligent, skillful, or attractive. This word shows that you do not like people like this.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on macmillandictionary.com


What is it called when someone thinks they are better than you?

Someone who is conceited thinks that they are the best.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on dictionary.cambridge.org


Does pretentious mean to pretend?

You might not be surprised to learn that pretentious is related to the word pretend, and it is an adjective that fits the bill for describing someone who's only concerned with making an impressive appearance. If you don't want to be accused of being pretentious, just act naturally and don't put on airs!
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on vocabulary.com


How do you tell if a coworker is jealous of you?

How to Tell If a Coworker Is Jealous of You
  1. They make comments about how your work is more exciting than theirs. ...
  2. They're always “too busy” to help you. ...
  3. They mock you when you get recognition from your boss or the leadership team. ...
  4. They don't invite you when they go out for a happy hour or schedule a virtual lunch.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on fairygodboss.com


What is a toxic coworker?

Some of the identifying traits of a toxic coworker include: If they're rude and disrespectful. If they're confrontational and aggressive. If they blame others for their mistakes. If they're always greedy and unsatisfied.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on biospace.com


How do you tell if a coworker is trying to sabotaging you?

How do you tell if someone is sabotaging you?
  1. They make you jump through hoops others don't have to. ...
  2. They talk about you behind your back. ...
  3. They tell lies to your boss or your colleagues about your work. ...
  4. They steal your ideas or try to take credit for your work.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on fairygodboss.com


What is a pretentious hipster?

Members of the subculture typically do not self-identify as hipsters, and the word hipster is often used as a pejorative for someone who is pretentious or overly concerned with appearing trendy.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org


How can I stop smug?

The keys to avoiding smugness lie in not feeling superior to others. It's fine to feel pleased with yourself when you set a course that you think will lead to good things, stick to your plan, and find yourself better off.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on wisebread.com


How do you use pretentious in a sentence?

His writing style is unnecessarily pretentious . I don't appreciate your pretentious attitude! I had a hard time agreeing with her pretentious point of view. Although he makes much more money than his peers, he does his best to avoid acting pretentious .
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on sentence.yourdictionary.com


What do you call a person who is a know it all?

Definitions of know-it-all. someone who thinks he knows everything and refuses to accept advice or information from others. synonyms: know-all. type of: egoist, egotist, swellhead. a conceited and self-centered person.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on vocabulary.com


What is pretentious speech?

Alternatively, pretentious and lengthy speech or writing – what we also call 'a load of hot air' – can be described as longiloquent, or long-winded. The word comes from the Latin meaning 'long-speaking'. ALTILOQUENT. Similarly, if someone is 'altiloquent', they're speaking pompously or in a high-flown manner.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on interestingliterature.com


Why are some people ostentatious?

People who are described as ostentatious—or who have lifestyles described as such—typically are seen as spending money in a way that makes it clear that they have a lot of it. Their consumption may also be described with the word, in which case the emphasis is on the impressive things they buy.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on merriam-webster.com


What does have no pretensions mean?

pretension | American Dictionary

A pretension is also a claim or belief that you can succeed or that you are important or have serious value: [ C usually pl ] He has no pretensions for higher office.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on dictionary.cambridge.org


Is pretentious overused?

As the title suggests, in my opinion there is no word more overused, misused, or used in bad faith within film criticism than "pretentious." Far too often, it is used as a dismissal of a film that just does something that rubs the reviewer the wrong way.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on reddit.com
Next question
How can I legally rebrand?