Pretentious means:

• A. Trying to appear or sound as more impressive, successful, or important than someone really is
• B. Modest and unassuming
• C. Practical and functional
• D. Temporary or short-lived

Answer: (A)

Pretentious describes someone who tries to seem more impressive, successful, or important than they really are. It’s about affectation and display—using flashy language, grandiose titles, or elaborate appearances to create an impression of sophistication that isn’t backed by substance. The tone is negative, signaling that the behavior is more about seeking admiration than about genuine ability. The other options describe different ideas: modest and unassuming is the opposite of pretentious; practical and functional focuses on usefulness rather than how someone presents themselves; temporary or short-lived concerns duration, not attitude. For example, someone who talks up owning a private jet in casual conversation to seem important is acting pretentious.