'pretend' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praetendere,' where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'tendere' meant 'to stretch.'

'praetendere' transformed into the Old French word 'pretendre,' and eventually became the modern English word 'pretend' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to stretch forth or hold out,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to make believe or feign.'