Difference between Sham and Pretend

What is the difference between Sham and Pretend?

Sham as a verb is to deceive, cheat, lie. while Pretend as a verb is to claim that or act as if something is different from what it actually is, often incorrectly and knowingly

Sham

Part of speech: noun

Definition: A fake; an imitation that purports to be genuine. Trickery, hoaxing. A decorative cover for a pillow.

Part of speech: verb

Definition: To deceive, cheat, lie.

Example sentence: It's all a sham: I have seen, and I know firsthand, indeed from my own pen, how the organized Right has sabotaged not only journalism but also democracy and truth.

Pretend

Part of speech: verb

Definition: to claim that or act as if something is different from what it actually is, often incorrectly and knowingly

Example sentence: I cannot pretend to be impartial about the colours. I rejoice with the brilliant ones, and am genuinely sorry for the poor browns.

We hope you now know whether to use Sham or Pretend in your sentence.

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