make-believe
|make/be/lieve|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈmeɪk bɪˌliv/
🇬🇧
/ˈmeɪk bɪˌliːv/
pretend or imaginary
Etymology
Etymology Information
'make-believe' originates from the English phrase 'make believe,' where 'make' meant 'to create' and 'believe' meant 'to accept as true.'
Historical Evolution
'make believe' was used in the 19th century to describe the act of pretending, and eventually became the modern English word 'make-believe.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to create a belief or illusion,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'pretend or imaginary.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act of pretending or imagining something that is not real.
Children often engage in make-believe, pretending to be superheroes or explorers.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41