prétentieux

pretentious, conceited

adjective preh-tahn-SYUH Rare

Usage Note

Prétentieux describes someone who overestimates their own importance, talent, or social standing. The feminine form is prétentieuse, and it can also be used as a noun (un prétentieux) to call someone a show-off. The related noun prétention means 'pretension' or 'claim'.

Examples

"Ce chef prétentieux refuse les critiques."

Natural Translation

This pretentious chef refuses criticism.

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