All 11 Uses of
pretense
in
Emma
- He had frightened her a little about Mr. Elton; but when she considered that Mr. Knightley could not have observed him as she had done, neither with the interest, nor (she must be allowed to tell herself, in spite of Mr. Knightley's pretensions) with the skill of such an observer on such a question as herself, that he had spoken it hastily and in anger, she was able to believe, that he had rather said what he wished resentfully to be true, than what he knew any thing about.†
Chpt 1.7-8
- "I wish we could contrive it," said she; "but I cannot think of any tolerable pretence for going in;—no servant that I want to inquire about of his housekeeper—no message from my father."†
Chpt 1.9-10
- This would not do; she immediately stopped, under pretence of having some alteration to make in the lacing of her half-boot, and stooping down in complete occupation of the footpath, begged them to have the goodness to walk on, and she would follow in half a minute.†
Chpt 1.9-10
- Mr. Elton and I are very good friends, and nothing more;" and she walked on, amusing herself in the consideration of the blunders which often arise from a partial knowledge of circumstances, of the mistakes which people of high pretensions to judgment are for ever falling into; and not very well pleased with her brother for imagining her blind and ignorant, and in want of counsel.†
Chpt 1.13-14
- It did appear—there was no concealing it—exactly like the pretence of being in love with her, instead of Harriet; an inconstancy, if real, the most contemptible and abominable! and she had difficulty in behaving with temper.†
Chpt 1.15-16
- "— And he repeated her words with such assurance of accent, such boastful pretence of amazement, that she could not help replying with quickness, "Mr.†
Chpt 1.15-16 *
- As to the pretence of trying her native air, I look upon that as a mere excuse.†
Chpt 2.7-8
- It was by no means her object to have it believed that her sister was not a fine lady; perhaps there was want of spirit in the pretence of it;—and she was considering in what way she had best retract, when Mr. Weston went on.†
Chpt 2.17-18
- And what inclines one less to bear, she has no fair pretence of family or blood.†
Chpt 2.17-18
- Mr. Woodhouse must not, under the specious pretence of a morning drive, and an hour or two spent at Donwell, be tempted away to his misery.†
Chpt 3.5-6
- —There is no end of people's coming to him, on some pretence or other.†
Chpt 3.15-16
Definition:
-
(pretense) a false appearance or action to help one pretendeditor's notes: This is sometimes seen in the expression "false pretense" or "false pretenses" which is just emphasizing that behavior or actions do not reflect the true situation.