The expression "makes pretense of" refers to the act of simulating or feigning a particular behavior, attitude, or intention in order to deceive, mislead, or manipulate others. When someone "makes pretense of" something, they are pretending to possess or exhibit a quality, skill, or characteristic that they actually lack, often with the intention of achieving personal gain or advantage.
To "make pretense of" can be seen as a form of deception or insincerity, where one intentionally puts up a false front or façade to achieve a desired outcome. This can involve pretending to be knowledgeable, confident, or well-intentioned to gain trust, influence, or control over others' perceptions.
The phrase can also extend to situations where individuals create a pretense or false appearance of engaging in a particular activity, participating in an event, or adhering to certain beliefs or values without genuine commitment or interest. The individual may only be pretending to align themselves with a cause, organization, or belief system to gain social acceptance, approval, or power.
"Making pretense of" entails crafting an illusion or false representation to manipulate others' perceptions, often to serve one's own interests. It is important to distinguish this deceptive behavior from genuine actions, intentions, or expressions, as "making pretense of" often involves a conscious effort to mislead or deceive others, undermining trust and authenticity in interpersonal relationships or social dynamics.
