The Art of Pretense: Understanding the False Appearance of Deceit and Misleading Behavior

Pretense is a noun that refers to a false or pretended appearance or attitude, often used to deceive or mislead others. It can also refer to a pretentious or affected manner or behavior.

Examples:

* She put on a brave face to hide her true feelings of fear and anxiety. (pretending to be brave when one is not)
* He tried to make his modest home look more luxurious by adding fake designer labels to his clothes. (pretending to be wealthy when one is not)
* The actor's over-the-top performance was so exaggerated that it seemed like a parody rather than a genuine portrayal. (pretending to be something one is not, in this case, an overly dramatic actor)

In general, pretense refers to a false or artificial appearance or behavior that is maintained to deceive or mislead others, often for selfish reasons.