verb

pretender

pretend · hope · intend

Querer lograr algo o tener la intención de hacer algo, a veces mostrando o diciendo algo que no es verdad.

Definition & meaning

The Spanish verb pretender has two primary meanings depending on the context.

To aim or intend: This is the most common use of the word. It describes the action of wanting to achieve something, seeking a goal, or asserting a claim to something. For example, if someone "pretende un puesto," they are aiming for or seeking a specific job position. It expresses an intention or a purpose.
To court or woo: In a more traditional or formal context, it means to seek someone's hand in marriage or to pursue a romantic relationship with the intent of commitment. A person who does this is often called a "pretendiente" (suitor).

Note on False Cognates: It is important to distinguish pretender from the English word "pretend." While they look similar, the English "pretend" (to feign or simulate) is usually translated into Spanish as fingir . In Spanish, pretender focuses on intention and aspiration rather than deception.

Grammar & Word origin

Pretender is a regular verb belonging to the second conjugation (verbs ending in -er).

The word originates from the Latin verb praetendere, which is composed of:

prae-: a prefix meaning "before" or "in front of."
tendere: a verb meaning "to stretch" or "to extend."

Literally, it meant "to stretch out in front." Over time, the meaning evolved from a physical gesture of holding something out to a metaphorical sense of putting forward a claim, an excuse, or an intention.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

intentar (to try)
aspirar (to aspire)
procurar (to endeavor/try)
cortejar (to court/woo)
solicitar (to apply for/request)
planear (to plan)

Antonyms:

desistir (to desist/give up)
renunciar (to renounce)
abandonar (to abandon)
lograr (to achieve—used as an opposite in the sense that "pretender" is the intent while "lograr" is the fulfillment)