Both Uses of
pretense
in
All Quiet on the Western Front
- For this I know—he cannot be saved, I have, indeed, tried to tell myself that he will be, but at noon this pretence breaks down and melts before his groans.†
Chpt 9
- It is true, such things are often simulated, but the pretence itself is a symptom.†
Chpt 11 *
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.