How to Pronounce Pretend

To pronounce "pretend", say PRET-end — 2 syllables, IPA /pɹɪˈtɛnd/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

pretend

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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2

Syllables

7

Letters

/pɹɪˈtɛnd/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “pretend”

"pretend" has 2 syllables: pret-end. It rhymes with contend and comprehend, if that helps it stick.

What does pretend mean?

verb

  1. To claim, to allege, especially when falsely or as a form of deliberate deception.
  2. To feign, affect (a state, quality, etc.).

adjective

  1. Not really what it is represented as being; imaginary, feigned.

    “As children we used to go on "spying" missions around the neighbour's house, but it was all pretend.”

Hear “pretend” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with pretend

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

contendcomprehendapprehendtranscendcommendcondescendattendportendmendfriendextendbend

Related words

feignmake-believeshamdissembleaffectplayunrealact

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "pretend"?▾

"Pretend" has 2 syllables: pret · end.

What is the IPA transcription of "pretend"?▾

The IPA transcription of "pretend" is /pɹɪˈtɛnd/.

What does "pretend" mean?▾

Pretend: To claim, to allege, especially when falsely or as a form of deliberate deception.

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