false pretences
C1Formal / Legal
Definition
Meaning
An act or instance of deceiving someone, especially by pretending something is true or by misrepresenting facts in order to gain something.
A legal term referring to the offence of obtaining property or a benefit by fraud, deception, or a deliberate lie. More broadly, any situation or relationship initiated or maintained under dishonest circumstances.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Almost exclusively used in the plural form 'pretences' (US: 'pretenses'). Implies a sustained or calculated deception rather than a single lie.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'pretences' (UK) vs. 'pretenses' (US).
Connotations
In legal contexts, it has strong, specific criminal implications (e.g., 'obtaining money under false pretences'). In general use, it implies serious deceit.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties within legal and formal contexts. Slightly more common in UK English in general formal writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Obtain [object] under false pretencesHe married her under false pretences.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “live a lie”
- “a wolf in sheep's clothing”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Referring to fraudulent procurement of contracts or funds.
Academic
Used in legal, criminological, and sociological studies of fraud.
Everyday
Describing personal betrayals or scams.
Technical
Specific legal term in criminal law statutes.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The conman falsely pretended to be a charity collector.
American English
- She misrepresented her qualifications to get the job.
adverb
British English
- He pretended falsely that he had a university degree.
American English
- She deceptively gained their trust.
adjective
British English
- His pretentious manner was a cover for his ignorance.
American English
- The deceptive advertisement led to a lawsuit.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He got the money under false pretences.
- The salesman was accused of selling the car under false pretences.
- Their entire relationship was built on false pretences, as he had hidden his true identity.
- The company secured the investment under false pretences by fabricating its financial projections, which constituted fraud.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PRETEND friend who is FALSE: a 'false pretence' is when someone PRETENDs to be something they are FALSEly claiming to be.
Conceptual Metaphor
DECEPTION IS A FALSE FRONT / DECEPTION IS A THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE (putting on a 'pretence').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation like 'ложные претензии' – this means 'false claims' or 'complaints'. The correct conceptual equivalent is 'обман' or 'мошенничество'.
- The word 'pretences' here is not related to 'претензии' (claims).
Common Mistakes
- Using singular 'pretence' in the fixed legal phrase (usually plural).
- Misspelling 'pretences/pretenses'.
- Confusing it with 'false premises' (incorrect logic).
Practice
Quiz
What is the core legal concept behind 'false pretences'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is almost always used in the plural form: 'false pretences' (UK) / 'false pretenses' (US).
'False pretences' implies a sustained, often elaborate deception designed to gain something, frequently with a legal connotation. A 'lie' can be a single, isolated untruth.
Yes, it is commonly used to describe personal betrayals or scams, e.g., 'He married her under false pretences.'
UK: false pretences; US: false pretenses.